By Spencer Coile
;)
After six consecutive years of Julia Louis-Dreyfus deservedly dominating this category for her performance on Veep, we finally have a race on our hands in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series field! Or do we? As diverse as this lineup is – consisting of newcomers, veterans, and representation from six different networks – it feels as though Rachel Brosnahan’s name has been on that Emmy statue since the pilot for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel premiered last March. Is she going for the gold, or is the race more competitive than we think?
Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series Nominees:
;)
Pamela Adlon as “Sam Fox” on Better Things: “Eulogy”
;)
Rachel Brosnahan as “Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel” on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: “Thank You and Good Night”
;)
Allison Janney as “Bonnie Plunkett” on Mom: “Phone Confetti and a Wee Dingle”
;)
Issa Rae as “Issa Dee” on Insecure: “Hella Great”
;)
Tracee Ellis Ross as “Rainbow Johnson” on Black-ish: “Elder. Scam.”
;)
Lily Tomlin as “Frankie Bergstein” on Grace & Frankie: “The Home”
Will Win: Despite the Julia Louis-Dreyfus absence for Veep, this is one of the easiest races to call. Janney’s won before in the Supporting category, Tomlin is comfortable getting nominated every year without winning, and Ross supposedly had a stellar season on Black-ish.That said, a series win for Mrs. Maisel may not be guaranteed, but it certainly is for the show’s leading player. Sorry ladies, but Brosnahan is taking this one without a fight.
Should Win: It is truly a delight to see Rae sneak in for the second season of Insecure, considering her glaring omission last year. Adlon, too, is turning in stunning work on Better Things – especially in her submission. Seriously, watch the last five minutes of “Eulogy” and try not to sob. Still, Brosnahan is bulldozing this category for a reason. Her performance as Midge Maisel is light, witty, and utterly absorbing. It’s truly a revelatory turn and deserves every accolade.
Could Spoil: There really isn’t one, but I would say Ross is sitting in second. She is certainly beloved (as is the show), but she’s lucky to be a runner-up this year.
Your turn! Is Brosnahan a sure bet, or might we be in for a surprise?