\n<\/p>\n
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons<\/em> This category is studded with big names like Harrison Ford (for Shrinking<\/em>) and Colman Domingo (for The Four Seasons<\/em>), both of whom gave charming comedic turns this season. There is also Paul W. Downs of Hacks,<\/em> which just ended its perfect run in May; although he\u2019s won Emmys for writing and executive-producing the show, which he cocreated, his stellar performance as a long-suffering talent agent hasn\u2019t been rewarded. But the comedy-supporting-actor Emmy last year went to long shot Jeff Hiller for his breakout role in Somebody Somewhere,<\/em> and we think this year the Television Academy will again choose a dark horse: Stephen Root. Previously nominated for his supporting role on Barry,<\/em> Root is a complete scene-stealer as the cranky but wise seaman who steers Widow\u2019s Bay.<\/em> \u2014J.P.<\/em><\/p>\n Abbott Elementary,<\/em> \u201cTeam Building\u201d Can you tell that we really want to make Widow\u2019s Bay<\/em> happen? But seriously: As evidenced by these nominees, which include two shows barely represented in any other categories this year (Jury Duty<\/em> and The Chair Company<\/em>), 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\u2014which means if Hacks<\/em> is going to win the big one, it\u2019ll probably also come out on top here. But if voters really like Widow\u2019s Bay<\/em> as much as we think they might\u2014and if they\u2019re hungry to reward a show that\u2019s new and fresh\u2014it will prevail here for its quirky, spooky pilot, which adroitly sets up the show\u2019s whole vibe. And if it does win in writing, watch out for a spoiler in comedy series as well. \u2014H.B.<\/em><\/p>\n Abbott Elementary,<\/em> \u201cBallgame\u201d This is a two-horse race between Hacks,<\/em> at this point an old stallion, and Widow\u2019s Bay,<\/em> a brand-new buck. After five seasons on air, Hacks<\/em> has only won in this category once before\u2014for its pilot episode, directed by cocreator Lucia Aniello<\/a>, back in 2021. As such, it would be very full circle if Hacks<\/em>\u2019 final episode, also directed by Aniello, won in this category. But through word of mouth, Widow\u2019s Bay<\/em> has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, receiving praise for the way it deftly blends comedy and horror. That\u2019s largely thanks to the keen eye of Hiro Murai, who directed the pilot episode and is nominated in this category. What\u2019s more, Murai is long overdue for recognition, having helmed iconic episodes of beloved series like Atlanta<\/em><\/a> and Barry<\/em> without winning Emmys. It\u2019s a close one, but we\u2019re once again giving an edge to the new kid on the block. \u2014C.M.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Paul W. Downs, Hacks<\/em>
Harrison Ford, Shrinking<\/em>
Nick Offerman, Margo\u2019s Got Money Troubles<\/em>
PREDICTED WINNER: Stephen Root, Widow\u2019s Bay<\/em><\/strong>
Michael Urie, Shrinking<\/em>
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary<\/em><\/p>\nOUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Chair Company,<\/em> \u201cLife Goes By Too F**king Fast, It Really Does\u201d
The Comeback,<\/em> \u201cValerie Does It All\u201d
Hacks,<\/em> \u201cHacks\u201d
Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat,<\/em> \u201cMergers and Acquisitions\u201d
PREDICTED WINNER: Widow\u2019s Bay,<\/em> \u201cWelcome to Widow\u2019s Bay!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nOUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Hacks,<\/em> \u201cHacks\u201d
The Bear,<\/em> \u201cBears\u201d
The Chair Company,<\/em> \u201cLife Goes By Too F**king Fast, It Really Does\u201d
The Ms. Pat Show,<\/em> \u201cGive It Arrest\u201d
PREDICTED WINNER: Widow\u2019s Bay,<\/em> \u201cWelcome to Widow\u2019s Bay!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n