2026 Emmy Winner Predictions: Best Actor and Actress in a Drama or Comedy Series

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win - Noah Wyle "The Pitt"

Could Win - Noah Wyle "The Pitt"

Should Win - Noah Wyle "The Pitt" or Mark Ruffalo "Task"

Commentary - This is Wyle's to lose, and I don't see how he does.

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Rhea Seehorn "Pluribus"

Could Win - Keri Russell "The Diplomat" or Zendaya "Euphoria"

Should Win - Seehorn or Russell

Commentary - Finally, we get to hear Rhea Seehorn's name after "And the Emmy goes to...". Hopefully. But Zendaya is such a big star, and she has upset here before and Keri Russell's role won at SAG this year. Might not be the slam dunk we think. 

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Matthew Rhys "Widow's Bay"

Could Win - Martin Short "Only Murders in the Building"

Should Win - Rhys

Commentary - I think he has this one locked up.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jean Smart "Hacks"

Could Win - Lisa Kudrow "The Comeback"

Should Win - Kudrow or Smart

Commentary - Duh.