Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.
Louie Anderson as Christine Baskets, Baskets (Denver)
Anderson was last year’s winner after taking home two Daytime Emmys almost two decades ago. Now he’s back along with costar Zach Galifianakis for an episode in which Christine travels on her own to Denver so that she can happen to meet up with a guy she met and likes. It’s an endearing, sweet performance that speaks to why Anderson is, oddly enough, the perfect person for this role. He could well repeat, but I think he’s got tougher competition to face this year.
Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump, Saturday Night Live (Host: Melissa McCarthy)
Baldwin has eleven previous nominations and two wins, both for “30 Rock,” and he’s also nominated this year for hosting “Match Game.” After debuting as Donald Trump in the season 42 premiere of the long-running variety sketch series, Baldwin was present throughout almost the entire year, constantly mocking the Republican candidate who went on to win the presidency, giving Baldwin more material than he could possibly have hoped for. He’s hilarious, and I think Emmy voters, who already like him, are likely to reward him for mocking a figure they really don’t like.
Tituss Burgess as Titus Andromedon, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Kimmy’s Roommate Lemonades)
This is the third consecutive nomination for Burgess, who plays a totally absurd character with almost the same name, just no second S. I’m not too fond of this submission, since I wrote in my review that it doesn’t compare to many of Titus’ previous performances, complete with lots of singing and some jealousy when he thought his boyfriend was getting close to another guy. I would have gone with the one where he ate Dionne Warwick, I suppose this submission is okay, but if Pinot Noir-Caviar couldn’t win it for him, nothing can.
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Modern Family (Grab It)
This is Burrell’s eighth consecutive nomination. He won in 2014 and in 2011, and now he’s the only thing aside from his show in the top race that’s recognized, which is a big deal considering his show earned seventeen nominations in its heydey. Burrell’s submission isn’t one of the six episodes his show entered for consideration, but it does serve as a fun showcase for his unique talents, as Phil tries to join his father’s exclusive club and gets a version of what he wants instead. He’s won twice before, but his show has zero buzz right now so I don’t think he’s really in contention.
Tony Hale as Gary Walsh, Veep (Judge)
This is Hale’s fifth nomination. He won in 2015 and 2013. His show is still a huge hit and, even though I don’t agree, he appears to be the default supporting male singled out, along with the guy below. His episode is all about him, as he returns to his home in Alabama and has to deal with his father and the complicated relationship they’ve always had. If he won before for less focused installments, he could easily do it again, so watch out for him even though I’m not predicting him to win.
Matt Walsh as Mike McLintock, Veep (Chicklet)
Walsh is back for the second year in a row for his portrayal of hapless writer Mike, who had a less prominent role this season yet appears to have still won over Emmy voters. After suffering so much abuse from Selina in this season, he finally was in her good graces in his submitted episode before being totally cast out and then expressing his rage in an unprecedented way. I can’t imagine him topping Hale, especially not for this season.
Who should win (based on entire season): Baldwin’s repeat performances are funny, and Burgess had a good year, but I’m not sure who I’d choose from this crop.
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Baldwin
Who will win: I suppose Anderson could repeat, but this seems like an easy path to victory for Baldwin.
Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
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