2026 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Steve Carell "Rooster"

Matthew Rhys "Widow's Bay"

Jason Segal "Shrinking"

Martin Short "Only Murders in the Building"

Jeremy Allen White "The Bear"

Other Contenders - Steve Martin "Only Murders in the Building", Adam Brody "Nobody Wants This", Tim Robinson "The Chair Company", Yahya Abdul-Mateen II "Wonder Man", Ethan Hawke "The Lowdown", Tracy Morgan "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins", Ted Danson "A Man on the Inside", Dan Levy "Big Mistakes"

Commentary - I think that seven guys could fight for five slots with a few wildcards. I feel good about Jason Segal and Martin Short. Both perennial nominees, and one of them might finally win in this category. Jeremy Allen White also still seems strong, despite the show's drop in Emmy fortunes. I am not sure about the overall possibility for Rooster, but Steve Carell is a favorite, and gives a great performance. Finally, recent winner Matthew Rhys is a newcomer to this race, but Widow's Bay has a ton of buzz. I still would not discount recent winners Steve Martin and Adam Brody, and other big nams like Tim Robinson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ethan Hawke, Tracey Morgan, Ted Danson, and Dan Levy are bound to inspire some votes. 

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson "Abbott Elementary"

Ayo Edebiri "The Bear"

Elle Fanning "Margo's Got Money Troubles"

Lisa Kudrow "The Comeback"

Jean Smart "Hacks"

Other Contenders - Kristen Bell "Nobody Wants This", Kristen Wiig "Palm Royale", Jenna Ortega "Wednesday", Rachel Sennott "I Love LA", Keke Palmer "The 'Burbs", Selena Gomez "Only Murders in the Building", Kate Hudson "Running Point", Tina Fey "The Four Seasons", Maya Rudolph "Loot"

Commentary - Honestly, while I would never discount previous nominees for these same roles like Kristen Bell, Kristen Wiig, Selena Gomez, Maya Rudolph and Jenna Ortega. Nor discount big names like Rachel Sennott, Keke Palmer, Tina Fey, and Kate Hudson, when I looked at the final five, this just felt right. Probably Elle Fanning is the most vulnerable, but recent Oscar nominees always do well, and I think voters will reward Margo's Got Money Troubles across the board.