2024 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

We will update this article throughout the season, along with all our predictions, so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2024 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting takes place from June 13 to June 24, with the official Emmy nominations announced Wednesday, July 17. Afterwards, final voting commences on August 15 and ends the night of August 26. The 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, September 15, and air live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

The State of the Race

The Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category has gotten extra starry this year, with “Only Murders in the Building” and “Palm Royale” alone adding several Oscar winners to the mix. Now, star power actually does not factor too much into the decisions on who to nominate, because campaigns for those stars can sometimes still treat TV like the slums, but in Meryl Streep’s case, she has been very forward about how she herself requested to be on “Only Murders in the Building,” and of course, when the writers heard of that opportunity, they worked quickly to make it happen.

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Somewhat similarly, there is not much of a worry about the stars of the new Apple TV+ comedy series “Palm Royale” being seen as disrespectful toward the television industry. Laura Dern is actually one of the producers that shepherded the literary adaptation through development before taking a supporting role in it, and her co-star Allison Janney has seven Emmys already, including two from a decade ago in this category for her role on “Mom.” Add in Carol Burnett, one of the most legendary names in TV, and the hook is pretty much baited for Emmy voters to come watch the freshman series.

But one detail of the awards race this year that has affected this category in particular is last season’s winner Ayo Edebiri is not in it anymore. Her move up to Lead Actress in a Comedy Series opens the door to her “The Bear” co-stars Liza Colón-Zayas and Abby Elliott receiving some awards attention for their expanded roles in Season 2. And Sheryl Lee Ralph is still in contention for playing the same role that won her this Emmy two years ago, so her and “Abbott Elementary” stars Janelle James (a previous nominee) and Lisa Ann Walter are still in play.

However, the real wild card in the return of “Hacks,” which premieres in the late part of the TV season. It has regularly gotten Hannah Einbinder an Emmy nomination, but should Season 3 get a huge response, it could finally get her a win (and also her co-star Meg Stalter a nomination as well.)

Current Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):
Carol Burnett, “Palm Royale” (Apple TV+)
Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear” (FX)
Laura Dern, “Palm Royale” (Apple TV+)
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks” (Max)
Abby Elliott, “The Bear” (FX)
Susie Essman, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Allison Janney, “Palm Royale” (Apple TV+)
Ego Nwodim, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, “Loot” (Apple TV+)
Kaya Scodelario, “The Gentlemen” (Netflix)
Meg Stalter, “Hacks” (Max)
Meryl Streep, “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)
Lisa Ann Walter, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

More Comedy Category Predictions:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

To see IndieWire’s full set of predictions for the 76th Emmy Awards click here.

Last Year’s Winner: Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Still Eligible: No.
Hot Streak: Not since “Cheers” has there been two stars from the same show that have won this category back-to-back, so if fervor for “The Bear” really is as huge as some predict, Edebiri tees up the possibility of that specific streak.
Notable Ineligible Series: Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, “Ted Lasso” (ended); Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (ended); Jessica Williams, “Shrinking” (Season 2 is not eligible)

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