Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

 
Jane Adams as Nina Daniels, Hacks (The Click) 

I’m thrilled to see Adams back for her second consecutive nomination, joined this year by three other women who guest-starred on the same show. Adams’ return is a very welcome one, though not for her onscreen daughter Ava. The way that Adams plays off Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart is marvelous, and while her role may not be as prominent as the others from her show, I would be very happy if she won.

Harriet Sansom Harris as Susan, Hacks (Retired) 

It’s astonishing to me that this is Harris’ first Emmy nomination, something I discussed with her during our interview a few months ago. Unlike the other nominees from her show, she appears in just one episode, making a memorable impact as an old friend of Deborah’s whose life took a very different path. Harris is an immensely respected actress who could win this on her reputation alone, and the quality of her performance certainly helps her case as well.

Jane Lynch as Sazz Pataki, Only Murders in the Building (Trust the Process)
Lynch is an Emmy favorite, winning a number of prizes, including for scripted roles in “Glee” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” It’s hard to describe just how perfect Lynch is as Charles’ stunt double and how she enhances her big episode. She’s won this prize before, and this demonstrates how she’s able to do something different that’s still recognizably her. I think she’s the frontrunner in this race.

Laurie Metcalf as Weed, Hacks (The Process)
Metcalf is an Emmy staple, even managing to earn nominations for three different shows back in 2013. She scored three trophies in a row for “Roseanne,” and this is her fourth bid – for a fourth show – in this race. I was surprised to look back and learn that Metcalf only appeared in two episodes since Weed made quite an impression, and Metcalf has more than enough experience and a strong reputation that could allow her to win.

Kaitlin Olson as DJ Vance, A Black Lady Sketch Show (There Will Be Blood)
Olson had a great recurring role as Deborah’s daughter in the first season of her show, and she was still front-and-center in the first episode of season two. Olson is definitely fantastic, but she doesn’t have the meatiest material in that episode and others shine more. I’m glad to see Olson recognized since she’s a talent who doesn’t often earn accolades, and hopefully she’ll have a bigger role in season three that might even bump her up to the supporting category.

Harriet Walter as Deborah Welton, Ted Lasso (The Signal)
Walter is also nominated this year for “Succession,” her second bid for playing the matriarch on that series. She has an equally compelling – and intimidating role as Rebecca’s mother on the ultra-popular Apple TV+ series, and she’s typically terrific. Given the profile of her show, a win seems very popular, and I think she may have a better shot for this part than in the corresponding drama race because she’s without costars here.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Lynch, Harris, or Adams
Who will win: I’m betting on Lynch to win this.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/6

I am genuinely surprised that “Saturday Night Live” isn’t here for the first time since 2015, especially since recent Oscar winner Ariana DeBose was on the ballot. It’s also a shock that Tracey Ullman didn’t make the cut for “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Though I am very happy to see one show celebrated so vehemently, with four very deserving actresses cited: Jane Adams (Hacks), Laurie Metcalf (Hacks), Kaitlin Olson (Hacks), and Harriet Sansom Harris (Hacks). I’m equally pleased with the other two choices: Jane Lynch (Only Murders in the Building), who was terrific, and a double guest acting nominee this year, Harriet Walter (Ted Lasso).

Who should win? I’ve seen all of these! It’s hard to pick. Maybe Harris, Adams, or Lynch?
Who will win? This might easily go to Emmy favorite and five-time winner Lynch.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, July 12th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Jane Adams, Yvette Nicole Brown, Bernadette Peters, Issa Rae, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig

The competition: This category has featured at least two nominees from SNL every year since 2016. I think that will change this year, since Ariana DeBose (Saturday Night Live) is the only non-musical guest in contention, with Billie Eilish (Saturday Night Live), Kim Kardashian (Saturday Night Live), and Lizzo (Saturday Night Live) much less likely. Another sketch show that has been popular in this race might lead to nominations for Quinta Brunson (A Black Lady Sketch Show) or Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (A Black Lady Sketch Show). Their likeliest fully scripted competition is Tracey Ullman (Curb Your Enthusiasm), a repeat nod for Jane Adams (Hacks), Laurie Metcalf (Hacks), Harriet Sansom Harris (Hacks), Ming-Na Wen (Hacks), Harriet Walter (Ted Lasso), Gillian Anderson (The Great), Jane Lynch (Only Murders in the Building), Tina Fey (Only Murders in the Building), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Only Murders in the Building), and Sharon Stone (The Flight Attendant). I don’t think there’s any chance for Alanna Ubach (The Flight Attendant), but it would be great to see her here, and it would also be nice for Juno Temple (Mr. Corman) to ride her overall popularity to a deserved mention for a show that’s otherwise going to be ignored.

The predicted nominees: Adams, Anderson, DeBose, Lynch, Metcalf, Ullman

The predicted winner: I think DeBose wins.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

 
Jane Adams as Nina Daniels, Hacks (I Think She Will) I’m so delighted to see Adams here because I think she’s a wonderful actress and has been blatantly ignored for past excellence in “Hung” and “Sneaky Pete.” Her recurring role gives her great material, and while she’s always great, she’s not the standout of the season finale, her submitted episode, which might not give her enough momentum to score a win unless voters absolutely adore everything about the show (which is possible).

 
Yvette Nicole Brown as Judge Anita Harper, A Black Lady Sketch Show (But the Tilapias Are Fine Though, Right?)
This is Brown’s first Emmy nomination. She appears in just one sketch in her episode, that finds her as a grumpy judge who gets much happier when she realizes that she’s part of a Black Lady Courtroom. It’s not a big part and, especially compared with past roles of hers like “Community,” this feels like a strange acknowledgment of her talent. Her fellow nominee Issa Rae also appears in that sketch, which I think diminishes her chances.

Bernadette Peters as Deb, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Zoey’s Extraordinary Girls’ Night)
This is Peters’ third Emmy nomination. Her previous bid was in 2001 for guesting on “Ally McBeal,” and before that was way back in 1978 for “The Muppet Show.” She’s a fun and unforgettable part of her submitted episode, barging into the scene with her own musical number. Her show barely gained any traction anywhere else, so this could be a fun way to acknowledge the show with a win for the always entertaining Tony winner.

Issa Rae as Jess, A Black Lady Sketch Show (My Booty Look Juicy, Don't It?)
Rae has two previous nominations for acting in and one for producing “Insecure,” which skipped this season and returns for its final iteration next month. She’s also on her second consecutive bid for producing this sketch series. In her submission, she appears in one sketch about a meditation retreat. It’s a very brief part, but she’s helped by the fact that she’s also in her costar Yvette Nicole Brown’s sketch in a different role. I don’t think either are substantial enough to get her a win, but she is popular right now.

Maya Rudolph as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Maya Rudolph)
Rudolph was a double nominee in this category last year and won for portraying Kamala Harris on this show. She also won last year for her voice-over performance on “Big Mouth” (she’s nominated again this year too). Though she’s been such a consistent presence on the show during and after the election, this is actually only her second time hosting the show, and she earned her inaugural Emmy bid back in 2012 the first time she did it. She fits in so well with her cast and is likely riding such a high that she’s a very good bet to repeat.

Kristen Wiig as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Kristen Wiig)
Wiig has four previous nominations as a regular cast member on her show from 2009 to 2012, plus two more as a guest in 2013 and 2017, and two additional bids, one for voice-over performance on “The Looney Tunes Show” in 2012 and for the limited series “The Spoils of Babylon” in 2014. The advantage she has as host is that she feels right at home, and she’s portraying so many characters that she has created. She isn’t, however, doing much that’s new, and so it’s not likely that voters will see fit to reward her right now.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Rudolph
Who will win: I expect Rudolph to repeat.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/6

Here’s another category with an extra nominee! After Angela Bassett’s inclusion last year, her variety series has two nominees this time, Yvette Nicole Brown (A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Issa Rae (A Black Lady Sketch Show), and both Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) are back. It’s nice to see Jane Adams (Hacks), while Bernadette Peters (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) serves as a sad reminder that her show received no other major nominations, which is a real shame.

Who should win? I’ve only seen two of these performances, so I’ll withhold judgment just yet.
Who will win? I think Rudolph repeats.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, July 13th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Angela Bassett, Bette Midler, Maya Rudolph, Maya Rudolph, Wanda Sykes, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

The competition: Well, betting against last year’s double nominee and winner Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) seems like a bad idea. While there are many more men submitted as guests, in this race it’s only Anya Taylor-Joy (Saturday Night Live) and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) who could join Rudolph, and I think they’re both very likely. Tina Fey (Girls5eva) is another favorite of this category who should get in even if her show doesn’t land all that emphatically in other races. The same goes for Bernadette Peters (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), a screen presence whose popularity might eclipse that of her series. Issa Rae (A Black Lady Sketch Show) seems like a good bet both because Angela Bassett got in last year for the series and Rae is evidently popular but without a regular vehicle this year. Other possibilities include Christine Ebersole (The Kominsky Method), Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method), Andie MacDowell (Mr. Mayor), Vanessa Williams (Girls5eva), America Ferrera (Superstore), and Andrea Anders (Ted Lasso). I would throw a party if Shalita Grant (Search Party) got nominated, but I think that’s wishful thinking.

The predicted nominees: Fey, Rae, Rudolph, Taylor-Joy, Wiig

The predicted winner: I’m thinking maybe Rae can win this. But who knows?

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the sixteenth category of the 14th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2019-2020 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: May Calamawy, Rachel Grate, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sally Phillips, Christine Woods

Emmy nominees: Angela Bassett, Bette Midler, Maya Rudolph, Maya Rudolph, Wanda Sykes, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Finalists: Judith Light (The Politician), Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), Bette Midler (The Politician), Tiya Sircar (The Good Place)

The nominees:

Cush Jumbo (Trying)
Imelda Staunton (Trying)
Jane Krakowski (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Run)

The winner:

Kaitlin Olson (Curb Your Enthusiasm) was the rare psychological match for Larry as Becky, aware of what she wanted and didn’t but still ready to voice her own fury at the inevitable selfishness of her ex-brother-in-law.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Angela Bassett as Mo, A Black Lady Sketch Show (Angela Bassett Is the Baddest Bitch)
Bassett has five previous nominations, including a bid in this category from 2017 for “Master of None,” and she also contends this year for narrating “The Imagineering Story.” Her guest spot in the pilot episode of the HBO variety series is brief, but its significance is clear from her name being in the title. I don’t think it compares to her previous work, but evidently she’s popular enough that even a few minutes in a short sketch is enough to merit a nomination.

Bette Midler as Hadassah Gold, The Politician (Vienna)
This is Midler’s fifth acting bid. She previously won trophies for performing in her “Diva Las Vegas” concert in 1997, an episode of “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” in 1992, and producing a music special in 1978. She was expected to be here along with costar Judith Light, who was snubbed, and Midler will definitely benefit from her one-episode appearance in season one leading into a regular role in season two, which debuted this June. Not having to compete with Light, whose campaign Midler’s Gold manages, she has a much better shot. It’s an energetic performance but it doesn’t help that her show didn’t earn any other major nominations.

Maya Rudolph as Judge Gen, The Good Place (You’ve Changed Man) and as Kamala Harris, Saturday Night Live (Host: Eddie Murphy)
Thanks to recent rule changes that made such things possible, Rudolph becomes the first performer ever to earn two separate nominations in a guest category. This is Rudolph’s third consecutive bid for “The Good Place” and her second for “Saturday Night Live.” She’s terrific in her submitted episode for NBC’s departed comedy series, humorously detailing her observations on (and plans for) humanity, but I don’t think that will compare to the incredible timing of her extended cameo as Kamala Harris being eligible for voting just days after she was announced as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Like guest actor nominee Brad Pitt, it’s not really substantial compared to other performers in this category – or even her role as the judge – but she does do a great job and I think it’s exactly what voters are looking for now.

Wanda Sykes as Moms Mabley, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo)

Sykes has been nominated in this category twice before, in 2017 and 2018, for “Black-ish.” She won as part of the writing staff for “The Chris Rock Show” in 1999 and contends this year both as a producer for “Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah” and her voice-over work for “Crank Yankers.” Sykes in nominated here for playing another famous and trailblazing comedienne, and she gets to deliver some of her material in the season finale of her show. This isn’t like much of Sykes’ past work and could very much impress voters.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Phoebe Waller-Bridge)
Waller-Bridge was a fixture of last year’s Emmy ceremony, claiming acting, writing, and producing prizes for “Fleabag.” This year, she’s back here and as a producer for “Killing Eve.” She does well enough as host, delivering a funny opening monologue and participating fully in sketches, but her work doesn’t hold a candle to what won her all those awards last year. I would have nominated her instead for her role on “Run.” Her nomination should be considered the product of residual enthusiasm and isn’t likely to result in a win.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Midler or Rudolph for “The Good Place”
Who will win: I think Rudolph has it in the bag for her Kamala impression, though maybe Bassett or Sykes could win too.

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 4/6, missing Bassett and Rudolph’s second bid

A few things happened here that aren’t all that crazy but I didn’t expect. First, Angela Bassett (A Black Lady Sketch Show) returned to the lineup after a three-year hiatus (here last in 2017 for “Master of None”) for a variety series other than “Saturday Night Live.” Laverne Cox (Curb Your Enthusiasm) ended up with another drama nomination for “Orange is the New Black” instead of being recognized here. Maya Rudolph (The Good Place) didn’t just earn her third consecutive bid for that show, she also earned a second nomination for “Saturday Night Live.” Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Saturday Night Live) had the opportunity to do the same, but “Run” didn’t rack up any accolades. Wanda Sykes (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) earned her third overall bid in this category, but for a different role after being recognized previously for “Black-ish.” And, especially after watching the second season of her show, which is of course not what’s in contention, it’s lamentable to see only Bette Midler (The Politician) nominated without her fabulous and equally deserving costar Judith Light.

Who should win? I’ve only seen half of these performances, so no comment just yet.
Who will win? I think Sykes wins.

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 13th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2018-2019 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Becki Newton, Nasim Pedrad, Maya Rudolph, Andrew Savage, Tiya Sircar

Emmy nominees: Jane Lynch, Sandra Oh, Maya Rudolph, Kristin Scott Thomas, Fiona Shaw, Emma Thompson

Finalists: Amanda Peet (Brockmire), Kristin Scott Thomas (Fleabag), Marsha Thomason (Better Things), Molly Gordon (Ramy), Quinn Cooke (Brockmire)

The nominees:

Rachel Grate (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)
Sally Phillips (Veep)
Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Good Place)
May Calamawy (Ramy)

The winner:

Christine Woods (Brockmire) displayed so much energy and positivity in her newfound relationship with the title character to the degree that she might even manage to chance who he was as a person.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Jane Lynch as Sophie Lennon, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Vote for Kennedy, Vote for Kennedy!)
This is the twelth overall nomination for Lynch, who was been recognized with at least one bid almost consistently since 2010, winning once for “Glee,” twice for hosting “Hollywood Game Night,” and two years ago for the short form series “Dropping the Soap.” She was nominated for this role last year and contends again for a memorable return that brings her famous comedienne character back in a vengeful capacity. It’s not as showy as her first season appearance, but Lynch has proven to be too popular to be counted out in any given race.

Sandra Oh as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Sandra Oh)
Oh has five previous nominations for “Grey’s Anatomy” and is nominated this year for the second time for starring in “Killing Eve.” Oh, who co-hosted the Golden Globes, demonstrates as a “Saturday Night Live” host that she’s having fun and that she’s up for anything, qualities that have previously led to victories in this category. She’s far from a sure thing, but she’s very hot and beloved right now. Especially if she doesn’t win for drama, she could certainly win here.

Maya Rudolph as Judge Gen, The Good Place (Chidi Sees the Time-Knife)
Rudolph was previously nominated in this category for this role last year and for hosting SNL in 2012. Last year, I was so happy that Rudolph made the cut, and this year, she’s joined by her show in the Best Comedy Series category for the first time. Playing a powerful celestial judge who isn’t a burrito allows for new comedy this time around, particularly when her character went down to Earth to see just how terrible humans are. It’s possible she could win this award, which would be a fun way to reward a show that Emmy voters are just starting to like.

Kristin Scott Thomas as Belinda, Fleabag (Episode 2.3)
This is the first nomination for Thomas, who earned an Oscar nomination back in 1996 for “The English Patient.” She really just appears in one extended scene in her episode, but she makes a big impact and bonds with the title character in a mesmerizing way. She would certainly be the sophisticated choice, representing a veteran actress who can just show up on a show and make an immediate impression in a few minutes. Don’t count her out.

Fiona Shaw as Counsellor, Fleabag (Episode 2.2)
Shaw is nominated for the first time this year, also contending for her series regular role on series star and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s other show, “Killing Eve.” Like Thomas, Shaw only appears in her episode for one big scene. It’s a dry turn that works best because of how she plays off her scene partner – Waller-Bridge – and while it is great, it probably won’t appeal as much to those who aren’t already fans of the show. It would also be hard to imagine her beating Thomas in this race.

Emma Thompson as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Emma Thompson)
This is Thompson’s sixth acting nomination. She won on her first try in 1998 in this category for “Ellen,” and all of her other nominations have come for miniseries or TV movie work. Hosting the Mother’s Day episode of “Saturday Night Live” gives her a good opportunity to demonstrate her gravitas, and it comes in a year where she’s been seen a lot, both on TV in “Years and Years” and in film in “Late Night.” She’s not nearly as present in sketches as Oh is, and a win for her would be more based on her general industry contributions than this particular hosting gig.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Thomas or Rudolph
Who will win: I’m going to pick Oh with Thomas as a serious possible spoiler.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/6, missing Shaw, Scott Thomas, and Thompson

I really should have watched season two of “Fleabag” already. I loved season one, and I’m a fan of both Fiona Shaw (Fleabag) and Kristen Scott Thomas (Fleabag). I’m looking forward to watching them soon. I’m glad that Emma Thompson (Saturday Night Live), who’s having a great year with “Late Night” and “Years and Years,” got nominated, and it’s no surprise that Sandra Oh (Saturday Night Live) did too. She wasn’t the best performer on her show, but I’m a fan of Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), and I’m fine with Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) even though she too wasn’t the most memorable element of her show.

Who should win? I’ve only seen two of these, so no comments just yet.
Who will win? I’ll have to watch, but I suspect Oh wins here.

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 12th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2017-2018 season. This year, I’m including a shorter list, with just nominees and a few finalists, if applicable. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Jane Adams, Laura Benanti, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Britt Robertson, Portia de Rossi

Emmy nominees: Tina Fey, Tiffany Haddish, Jane Lynch, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Wanda Sykes

Finalists: Andrea Savage (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Samara Weaving (SMILF), Maggie Lawson (Santa Clarita Diet), Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black), Rosario Dawson (Jane the Virgin)

The nominees:

Maya Rudolph (The Good Place)
Becki Newton (Divorce)
Tiya Sircar (The Good Place)
Andrea Savage (Episodes)

The winner:

Nasim Pedrad (Curb Your Enthusiasm) was perfectly in her element as a bride who wasn’t about to let typical gender roles or physical expectations – or a nosy bald man – do anything to get in the way of her special day.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Tina Fey as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Tina Fey)
Fey has been nominated for at least one Emmy every year since 2007. This is her seventh nomination in this category alone, which she won in 2009 on her own and with co-host Amy Poehler in 2016. There’s no denying quite how popular Fey is and how at home she feels on the show, but this is hardly her funniest or most memorable appearance, in part because Sarah Palin is a thing of the past and the political juggernauts of today are being played by others. She’s always a threat to win, but I don’t see it happening this year.

Tiffany Haddish as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Tiffany Haddish)
Haddish is up for her first Emmy award this year, making history as the first female African-American stand-up comedian to host SNL. Haddish has a very particular brand of comedy which allows her to be loud and do whatever she feels like, and it seems that she’s beloved enough in Hollywood to get plenty of roles based on it. She would definitely be a fun person to see on stage at the Emmys, and I think she has a decent shot to win.

Jane Lynch as Sophie Lennon, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Put That On Your Plate!)
This is the eleventh overall nomination for Lynch, who was been recognized with at least one bid almost consistently since 2010, winning once for “Glee,” twice for hosting “Hollywood Game Night,” for which she also contends this year, and last year for the short form series “Dropping the Soap.” Lynch is surprisingly subdued as a comedienne who is much more serious than her act makes others believe. If her show is popular enough, which it’s likely to be given its fourteen-nomination haul, she may just get the votes she needs.

Maya Rudolph as Judge Gen, The Good Place (The Burrito)
Rudolph was previously nominated in this category for hosting SNL in 2012. I’m so thrilled that she’s here, since her appearance on one of TV’s best comedies was completely hilarious. Inexplicably, it’s one of just two categories in which the show was nominated, but Rudolph completely encapsulates the show’s brilliance as a judge who’s equally interested in the eternal fate of a few dead people and eating her burrito. I’d vote for her, and I hope voters do too, though the measly nominations total for her show signals to me that it’s unlikely.

Molly Shannon as Val Bassett, Will and Grace (There’s Something About Larry)
Shannon was nominated in this category five years ago and also contended in a now-defunct category in 2000 for individual variety performance on SNL. She now represents one of just five nominations that her returning show earned. She gets to go all out and have a lot of fun in her submitted episode, where she’s way too into trying to be Karen’s friend and wants to go head-to-head with Jack for her attention. The lackluster reception to the show probably negates her chances, and I don’t see her being the first to win this award for her show after five previous nominations by other women.

Wanda Sykes as Daphne Lido, Black-ish (Juneteenth)
Sykes was nominated for this role last year, and won an Emmy as part of the writing team for “The Chris Rock Show” back in 1999. Her submission of the season premiere doesn’t make a lot of sense to me since she barely appears in it and only really cracks one joke. If the show was hotter and she had even one more scene, she might have a shot, but I can’t imagine anyone will vote for her based on this.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Rudolph
Who will win: I’m honestly not sure. I think it will probably be Lynch, but it could be Haddish or maybe someone else?

Next up: Winners in the guest acting categories will be handed out this weekend at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Predictions for all other categories coming later this week!

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/6

It makes complete sense that a highly popular, relatively new comedienne, Tiffany Haddish (Saturday Night Live), would join the ever-popular Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live) as representative nominees of the late-night variety series. I don’t think that either Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) or Molly Shannon (Will and Grace) did their best work this year, but I’ll allow both because they’re great actresses and were decently funny. Wanda Sykes (Black-ish) didn’t strike me as a necessary returning nominee after her work last year, but I’ll have to see her submitted episode to judge. I could not be more ecstatic about the inclusion of Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), who proved to be more essential than any burrito could have been.

Who should win? I’ve only seen half these, but it’s Rudolph in a heartbeat.
Who will win? I’ll go with Haddish over Fey.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, July 12th. As always, chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Becky Ann Baker, Angela Bassett, Carrie Fisher, Melissa McCarthy, Wanda Sykes, Kristen Wiig

The competition: Just one of these women is on the ballot again, and that’s Wanda Sykes (Black-ish), who is hardly a lock but could easily return. Two nominees from two years ago, both of whom are also starring in popular shows, Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory) and Laurie Metcalf (The Big Bang Theory), are eligible again, as is previous winner Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live) and previous nominee Blythe Danner (Will and Grace), whose show just returned after more than a decade off the air. 90-year-old Oscar winner Estelle Parsons (Roseanne) could land her first Emmy nomination, as could Lauren Graham (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Tiffany Haddish (Saturday Night Live). Other possibilities include a host of former nominees eligible for different series, including Elizabeth Banks (Curb Your Enthusaism), Minnie Driver (Will and Grace), Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Jane Lynch (Will and Grace), Elizabeth Perkins (Curb Your Enthusiasm), and Molly Shannon (Will and Grace).

The predicted nominees: Danner, Fey, Graham, Haddish, Lynch, Parsons

The predicted winner: I think Parsons wins if she gets nominated.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 11th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2016-2017 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Sasha Alexander, Eliza Coupe, Claire Danes, Regina Hall, Callie Thorne

Emmy nominees: Becky Ann Baker, Angela Bassett, Carrie Fisher, Melissa McCarthy, Wanda Sykes, Kristen Wiig

Semi-finalists: Adrienne C. Moore (Orange is the New Black), Amanda Stephen (Orange is the New Black), Amy Landecker (People of Earth), Anna Camp (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Becky Ann Baker (Girls), Condola Rashad (Master of None), Gabrielle Ruiz (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Katie Aselton (Casual), Leisha Hailey (Silicon Valley), Lesley Nicol (The Catch), Lindsey Kraft (Grace and Frankie), Lori Petty (Orange is the New Black), Maggie Lawson (The Great Indoors), Marceline Hugot (The Detour), Maya Rudolph (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Natalie Morales (Santa Clarita Diet), Olivia Colman (Fleabag), Samara Wiley (You're the Worst), Tina Fey (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Tiya Sircar (Master of None)

Finalists: June Squibb (Shameless) was endearing and entertaining as an aging woman without too much memory recall or much in the way of social skills. Collette Wolfe (You're the Worst) was a shining star on her show, never meant to stay long due to her kindness and genuine excitement. Tiya Sircar (The Good Place) did a marvelous job representing what it means to be good, sticking out among a group of terrible people. Katie Finneran (Brockmire) went head-to-head with Hank Azaria for command of their scenes and left quite an impression with her formidable appearances. Blair Brown (Orange is the New Black) brought some celebrity Southern charm to a place where it definitely didn’t belong.

The nominees:

Britt Robertson (Casual) presented herself initially as a professional colleague and then became something altogether more unforgettable very quickly. Rebecca Naomi Jones (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) jived well with Gigi right away and helped to liven up the energy of her show in an unexpected way. Portia de Rossi (Santa Clarita Diet) used her signature style of speaking to tremendous effect in a memorable, matter-of-fact role. Jane Adams (Atlanta) was hard to forget as an agent who definitely didn’t remember the person she was talking to correctly.

The winner:

Laura Benanti (The Detour) was relentless and excessively exuberant in all the right ways, taking her role as a member of the mail police so incredibly seriously. “Mail, mail, we will not fail” is still stuck in my head.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.

Becky Ann Baker as Loreen Horvath, Girls (Gummies)
I didn’t even realize that I had written in my review of this episode that Baker was “undeniably excellent” and that I hoped she would earn a nomination this year alongside her onscreen husband Peter Scolari, who won last year. Eating gummies and going on a bender could be just the trick for the very talented first-time nominee, who I first remember from the TV show “Life As We Know It,” to defeat her more well-known fellow nominees and score a win for her show’s final season.

Angela Bassett as Catherine, Master of None (Thanksgiving)
Oscar nominee Bassett has three previous Emmy nominations, two of which she earned in 2015 and 2014 for “American Horror Story.” Her appearance as Denise’s mom in an iconic installment of the Amazon comedy is a very memorable one, as she experiences her daughter’s coming out and tries to deflect it quite a bit rather than accept it. It’s a strong turn, one that could easily win over voters.

Carrie Fisher as Mia Norris, Catastrophe (Episode 6)
The “Star Wars” star best known for playing Princess Leia passed away in December just a day before her mother, and therefore this sentimental nomination makes complete sense. Fortunately, Fisher, who was previously nominated for guesting on “30 Rock” in 2008, is deserving of a mention for her scene-stealing performance as Rob’s inappropriate mother, who comes to town for a funeral and makes her presence very felt. I think she’s a good bet to win, both as a posthumous tribute and as recognition of a solid turn.

Melissa McCarthy as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Melissa McCarthy)
This is the eighth nomination for McCarthy, who won in 2011 for “Mike and Molly” and has contended every single time she has hosted the variety sketch series, earning her five-timers’ jacket for this episode. As usual, McCarthy is clearly having fun and is more than game for some physical comedy, including getting pied in the face during one sketch at least twenty times in the span of a few minutes. She could win, but I imagine she’ll be back again for future hosting gigs, so she’ll have another shot in the future.

Wanda Sykes as Daphne Lido, Black-ish (Lemons)
Despite seven previous Emmy nominations and one trophy for writing, this is the first time Sykes contends as an actress. Her recurring role on ABC’s popular sitcom isn’t all that prominent, but she does have the opportunity to make a few good points about racism as it relates to the election in her submitted episode. Her speeches pale in comparison to costar Anthony Anderson’s, however, so I don’t see her meriting enough attention here.

Kristen Wiig as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Kristen Wiig)
Back before Kate McKinnon became the first performer from her show to win an Emmy in the main four acting categories, Wiig has nominated four times as a regular cast member. She has two additional nominations as well as one bid for hosting the year after she left the show. Now, four years later, she returns to the show for the first official time and feels right at home. I always thought her characters were a bit strange for her to win, and little about this episode changes that.

Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Baker
Who will win: I think this will safely go to Fisher.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

Emmy Nominees: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/6, missing Baker, Bassett, and Sykes

I did okay here, not expecting that “The Big Bang Theory” would, for the first time ever, earn just three technical bids and zero acting nominations. The sentimental nomination for the late Carrie Fisher (Catastrophe) was expected, as were mentions for past nominees Melissa McCarthy (Saturday Night Live) and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live). I didn’t see Wanda Sykes (Black-ish) coming, but her inclusion makes sense, as does that of Angela Bassett (Master of None). I’m most pleased to see dependable veteran actress Becky Ann Baker (Girls) honored with her first-ever Emmy nomination, which is very deserved.

Who should win? I’ve only seen two of these, so I can’t really comment just yet.
Who will win? My bet is Fisher will take it.

Emmy Predictions: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, July 13th. Chime in below in the comments with any thoughts of your own.

Last year’s nominees: Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory), Tina Fey and Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live), Melora Hardin (Transparent), Melissa McCarthy (Transparent), Laurie Metcalf (The Big Bang Theory), Amy Schumer (Saturday Night Live)

The competition: Expect the three nominees from last year who are eligible again - Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory), Melissa McCarthy (Saturday Night Live), and Laure Metcalf (The Big Bang Theory) – to repeat. Past nominee Elizabeth Banks (Modern Family) could make the cut again, as could those nominated previously for other roles, like Laura Dern (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Jane Krakowski (Modern Family), Maya Rudolph (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live). Other possibilities include Becky Ann Baker (Girls), Angela Bassett (Master of None), Trace Lysette (Transparent), and I imagine the late Carrie Fisher (Catastrophe) will earn some sentimental love as well.

The predicted nominees: Banks, Baranski, Fisher, McCarthy, Metcalf, Wiig

The predicted winner: Fisher