Emmy Predictions 2026 - Who Will and Should Win for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series?

The nominations have been announced for The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. So now, it's time to speculate on which nominees will and should win in each major category. Next up for analysis is Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

The Nominees Ranked By Which Should Win:

1. Matthew Rhys for Apple TV's Widow's Bay - "The Inaugural Swim"
2. Jason Segel for Apple TV's Shrinking - "The Bodyguard of Sadness"
3. Martin Short for Hulu's Only Murders in the Building - "Flatbush"
4. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for Disney+'s Wonder Man - "Matinee"
5. Steve Carell for HBO's Rooster - "Angry, Like an Angry Person"

The Nominees Ranked by Which Will Win:

1. Matthew Rhys for Apple TV's Widow's Bay - "The Inaugural Swim"
2. Martin Short for Hulu's Only Murders in the Building - "Flatbush"
3. Steve Carell for HBO's Rooster - "Angry, Like an Angry Person"
4. Jason Segel for Apple TV's Shrinking - "The Bodyguard of Sadness"
5. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for Disney+'s Wonder Man - "Matinee"

The ceremony in which the winners of The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be revealed will air Monday, September 14 at 8/7c. on NBC and Peacock hosted by Emmy Award winner Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU). Technical awards will be announced during the Creative Arts ceremonies on September 5 and 6.