Emmy Predictions 2026 - Who Will and Should Win for Lead Actress 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 Actress in a Comedy Series.

The Nominees Ranked By Which Should Win:

1. Lisa Kudrow for HBO's The Comeback - "Valerie Faces Reality"
2. Ayo Edebiri for FX's The Bear - "Worms"
3. Jean Smart for HBO Max's Hacks - "Hacks"
4. Quinta Brunson for ABC's Abbott Elementary - "Night Out"
5. Elle Fanning for Apple TV's Margo's Got Money Troubles - "Lock and Load"

The Nominees Ranked by Which Will Win:

1. Jean Smart for HBO Max's Hacks - "Hacks"
2. Lisa Kudrow for HBO's The Comeback - "Valerie Faces Reality"
3. Elle Fanning for Apple TV's Margo's Got Money Troubles - "Lock and Load"
4. Quinta Brunson for ABC's Abbott Elementary - "Night Out"
5. Ayo Edebiri for FX's The Bear - "Worms"

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.