OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons
Paul W. Downs, Hacks
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Nick Offerman, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
PREDICTED WINNER: Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
This category is studded with big names like Harrison Ford (for Shrinking) and Colman Domingo (for The Four Seasons), both of whom gave charming comedic turns this season. There is also Paul W. Downs of Hacks, which just ended its perfect run in May; although he’s won Emmys for writing and executive-producing the show, which he cocreated, his stellar performance as a long-suffering talent agent hasn’t been rewarded. But the comedy-supporting-actor Emmy last year went to long shot Jeff Hiller for his breakout role in Somebody Somewhere, and we think this year the Television Academy will again choose a dark horse: Stephen Root. Previously nominated for his supporting role on Barry, Root is a complete scene-stealer as the cranky but wise seaman who steers Widow’s Bay. —J.P.
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Abbott Elementary, “Team Building”
The Chair Company, “Life Goes By Too F**king Fast, It Really Does”
The Comeback, “Valerie Does It All”
Hacks, “Hacks”
Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, “Mergers and Acquisitions”
PREDICTED WINNER: Widow’s Bay, “Welcome to Widow’s Bay!”
Can you tell that we really want to make Widow’s Bay happen? But seriously: As evidenced by these nominees, which include two shows barely represented in any other categories this year (Jury Duty and The Chair Company), comedy writing is often a spot where the Emmys celebrate worthy but smaller series, at least when it comes to nominations. In recent years, the winner of this category has tended to dovetail with the winner of the comedy-series prize—which means if Hacks is going to win the big one, it’ll probably also come out on top here. But if voters really like Widow’s Bay as much as we think they might—and if they’re hungry to reward a show that’s new and fresh—it will prevail here for its quirky, spooky pilot, which adroitly sets up the show’s whole vibe. And if it does win in writing, watch out for a spoiler in comedy series as well. —H.B.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Abbott Elementary, “Ballgame”
Hacks, “Hacks”
The Bear, “Bears”
The Chair Company, “Life Goes By Too F**king Fast, It Really Does”
The Ms. Pat Show, “Give It Arrest”
PREDICTED WINNER: Widow’s Bay, “Welcome to Widow’s Bay!”
This is a two-horse race between Hacks, at this point an old stallion, and Widow’s Bay, a brand-new buck. After five seasons on air, Hacks has only won in this category once before—for its pilot episode, directed by cocreator Lucia Aniello, back in 2021. As such, it would be very full circle if Hacks’ final episode, also directed by Aniello, won in this category. But through word of mouth, Widow’s Bay has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, receiving praise for the way it deftly blends comedy and horror. That’s largely thanks to the keen eye of Hiro Murai, who directed the pilot episode and is nominated in this category. What’s more, Murai is long overdue for recognition, having helmed iconic episodes of beloved series like Atlanta and Barry without winning Emmys. It’s a close one, but we’re once again giving an edge to the new kid on the block. —C.M.
