Emmy Predictions: Supporting Actress (Comedy) — Is It Time for Janelle James to Take Home the Gold for ‘Abbott Elementary?’
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Commentary (Updated April 3, 2025): It’s time for Janelle James to stand on the Emmy stage!
In her fourth season on ABC’s beloved mockumentary “Abbott Elementary,” James is delivering her best work to date as Principal Ava Coleman. Her role has grown from the simple comic relief to being one of the show’s emotional centers. In Season 4, she showcases new depths, including apparent vulnerability and heartwarming leadership, building on her sharp-tongued, over-the-top style. Having been nominated three times before, James could finally win this time, solidifying her status as a top comedic talent on TV. Her “Abbott” co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph made waves in 2022 with her deserved Emmy win for playing veteran teacher Barbara Howard, who brings wisdom and warmth to the show. She should sail through to another nomination. Moreover, we’re still waiting on the possibility of Lisa Ann Walter nabbing her first nom for playing Philly native Melissa.
Close behind her is Liza Colón-Zayas, who performed best as Tina in the third season of FX’s “The Bear” and who came off her surprise win last year. Can she make it back-to-back wins? She would be the first Latina to win two consecutive acting Emmys, a historic feat.
Hannah Einbinder is always a strong contender for her role in HBO/Max’s “Hacks,” but hasn’t won a statuette yet. Catherine O’Hara, a five-time Emmy winner, returns to comedy in Apple TV+’s “The Studio.” She plays a network executive and producer with a deadpan delivery that enhances every scene. She’ll also have “The Last of Us” (which may put her in play for supporting drama actress to increase her chances). O’Hara’s co-star, Kathryn Hahn, also has the potential to double-dip at the Emmys. She adds a lively energy to the Apple series and will try to sneak in for “Agatha All Along” as lead comedy actress.
Some other notable contenders include Emmy nominee Jessica Williams in “Shrinking,” who’s as impressive as ever in “Shrinking,” and Meryl Streep, whose role in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” falls below the 50% episode number (but due to new Emmy rules, must submit in supporting). As I often say, “doubt Meryl at your own peril.”
Meg Stalter is still looking for her first Emmy shot for “Hacks,” while Broadway star Patti LuPone could get a trip to the ceremony for “Agatha All Along.”
(The list of predicted nominees and contenders is incomplete and will be updated every Thursday throughout the TV Awards season.)
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And the Predicted Contenders Are:
Image Credit: FX -
More Information (Supporting Actress Comedy)
2024 category winner: Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear” (FX) — Season 3 Christopher Polk About the Primetime Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards, commonly known as the Emmys, are awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Established in 1949, these celebrate outstanding achievements in American primetime television. The Emmys are categorized into three divisions: the Primetime Emmy Awards for performance and production excellence; the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, recognizing achievements in artistry and craftsmanship; and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards, which honor significant engineering and technological advancements. The eligibility period typically extends from June 1 to May 31 each year. The Television Academy hosts the Emmys and has over 20,000 members across 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors, artisans and executives.
