Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
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2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: Hannah Waddingham provides a beating heart and an undeniable charm to a character who might otherwise come off as standoffish or unlikeable. She walked into the Emmy race with a Critics Choice Award, and that, coupled with the second season only showcasing more of her range, gives her the momentum to be in the front of the pack. She’s put up the penultimate episode of “Ted Lasso,” “All Apologies” for her submission, which should be a winning choice.
Aidy Bryant nabbed two acting mentions; in addition to this nom (her second for the late-night sketch series “Saturday Night Live”), she scored in lead comedy actress for “Shrill.” Being on more than one ballot means increased visibility, but there is a question of whether she submitted the best episode (“Host: Regé-Jean Page”). She portrayed Sen. Ted Cruz in the episode, which could be polarizing for voters suffering from political fatigue.
Hannah Einbinder wasn’t a sure thing for a nom, so she is one of the pleasant surprises. The breakout comedian fabulously holds her own against lead comedy actress front-runner Jean Smart in a role that is alternatingly cringe-inducing and lovable. She made the brilliant decision to enter the season finale of “Hacks,” “I Think She Will,” in which she shows some serious range when her character attends her father’s funeral.
Two-time winner Kate McKinnon has been a ballot staple since 2014. As the current longest-tenured female cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” McKinnon has been the best thing about the sketch series for some time. She chose “Host: Bill Burr,” which includes her Dr. Wayne Wenowdis Weekend Update bit in which she said she was “obviously not” all right amid the pandemic. That could touch quite a few voters into selecting her again.
It’s hard not to root for Rosie Perez, who nabbed her first Emmy nom for acting (her fourth overall, with three for choreography for “In Living Color”) and became just the third Latina to be nominated in this category. She put forth the eighth episode of “The Flight Attendant,” “Arrivals and Departures,” in which her character goes on the run, but it will take a tide-turn to take down the current front-runner, Hannah Waddingham.
Cecily Strong picked up her second consecutive Emmy nod this year, and if voters still think her “SNL” season finale as Judge Jeanine Pirro was a swan song, she could see a boost of support that pushes her over the edge. It was one of the best moments of the season and probably one of the strongest of her entire tenure. However, both the in-show competition and the momentum that “Ted Lasso” has will be tough to overtake.
Juno Temple’s nomination here is one of the pieces of evidence that Television Academy voters are over the moon for the Apple TV Plus comedy and will likely be giving it multiple prizes — potentially even breaking the record held by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for most wins for its freshman season. But while many love Temple, and her submission of the “For the Children” episode is strong, her co-star still has the edge.
The viewing platform for Emmy nominees opens on Aug. 13, with final-round voting, beginning on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. PT until Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. PT.
Check out the full rankings of the category’s nominees in the chart below.
ALL SUBMISSIONS & RANKINGS:
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television's most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.
For wins: Rhea Perlman and Doris Roberts have won this category four times, the most in history. Valerie Harper and Laurie Metcalf are close behind, with three each.
"Cheers" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" are the two leading series with wins in this category with six each. "Everybody Loves Raymond" won this award twice in its run.
For nominations: Rhea Perlman and Loretta Swit have received the most nominations in this category, with 10 throughout their careers. Megan Mullally has the second most with eight.
"Saturday Night Live" has received the most nominations with 16 individual nods with "Cheers" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" with 13 and 12, respectively.
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Casting for a Limited, Anthology or TV Movie
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
- Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
- Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
- Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes - Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.