Mariah's Emmy Picks (Comedy Categories)

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The 77th Emmy Awards are approaching, promising a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration of television's finest achievements. As the industry honors outstanding performances and productions, anticipation is high among fans and nominees. This year's ceremony will highlight diverse talent and storytelling, reflecting television's evolving landscape. Come along as I explore my predictions for the winners of this prestigious event, beginning with the comedy categories.

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Outstanding Comedy Series

• "Abbott Elementary" (ABC)

• "The Bear" (FX)

• "Hacks" (HBO Max)

• "Nobody Wants This" (Netflix)

• "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)

• "Shrinking" (Apple TV+)

• "The Studio" (Apple TV+)

• "What We Do in the Shadows" (FX)

Hacks, Outstanding Comedy Series winner at the 76th Emmy Awards

Who I Want To Win: Abbot Elementary (ABC)

In September 2022, Quinta Brunson earned an Emmy for her writing on this popular show. However, the show has yet to secure the prestigious Outstanding Comedy Series award. I believe this show exemplifies a perfect blend of comedy and heart, with neither element overshadowing the other. It's difficult to identify the funniest character because all of them are hilarious.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

• Uzo Aduba, "The Residence"

• Kristen Bell, "Nobody Wants This"

• Quinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary"

• Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear"

• Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Jean Smart, Outstanding Lead Actress in A Comedy Series winner at the 76th Emmy Awards for her role in Hacks

Who I Want To Win: Ayo Edebiri

Although this seems to contradict my previous comments about Abbot, there's a valid reason for it. Brunson and Smart have already won an Emmy in this category. Ayo, who previously won an Emmy for Supporting Actress, has been promoted to lead actress due to her expanded role in The Bear. Predicting the outcome will be challenging, but it would be wonderful to see Ayo win, particularly as she competes against several seasoned performers.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

• Adam Brody, "Nobody Wants This"

• Seth Rogen, "The Studio"

• Jason Segel, "Shrinking"

• Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

• Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear"

Who I Want to Win: Martin Short, "Only Murders in The Building"

I have a feeling this might be the year we see a new winner in this category, and I hope it's the one I'm predicting. Short is the heart of Only Murders in the Building. His humor is perfect, and his youthful imagination makes me laugh. His comedic timing and one-liners are the show's hidden treasures. The trio of characters brings a comedic flair to the show, and their chemistry is solidified thanks to Short.

Jeremy Allen White, Outstanding Lead Actor winner in A Comedy Series at the 76th Emmy Awards for his role in The Bear

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Liza Colon-Zayas, Outstanding Supporting Actress winner in A Comedy Series at the 76th Emmy Awards for her role in The Bear

• Liza Colón-Zayas, "The Bear"

• Hannah Einbinder, "Hacks"

• Kathryn Hahn, "The Studio"

• Janelle James, "Abbott Elementary"

• Catherine O'Hara, "The Studio"

• Sheryl Lee Ralph, "Abbott Elementary"

• Jessica Williams, "Shrinking"

Who I Want To Win: Janelle James, "Abbot Elementary"

I have been hoping for James to win this category ever since Abbot started airing. With each season, more layers of Ava are uncovered, and James excels at bringing sympathy to the character. As an audience member, it was intriguing to see Ava's dynamic with her father, and observing how she managed her romantic relationship revealed more about her character. I think it's time for her to win.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Outstanding Supporting Actor winner in A Comedy Series at the 76th Emmy Awards for his role in The Bear

• Ike Barinholtz, "The Studio"

• Colman Domingo, "The Four Seasons"

• Harrison Ford, "Shrinking"

• Jeff Hiller, "Somebody Somewhere"

• Ebon Moss-Bachrach, "The Bear"

• Michael Urie, "Shrinking"

• Bowen Yang, "Saturday Night Live"

Who I Want To Win: Ebon Moss-Bachrach "The Bear"

Even though I am one of the critics of The Bear being a comedy, I do believe that Bachrach is the funnier one in the show. His dialogue makes it feel like I am watching a comedy as opposed to the other characters. His ability to switch from chaos to calm, funny to gut-wrenching, makes him the emotional glue holding the season together.

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Jamie Lee Curtis, Outstanding Supporting Actress winner in A Comedy Series at the 76th Emmy Awards for her role in The Bear

• Olivia Colman, "The Bear"

• Jamie Lee Curtis, "The Bear"

• Cynthia Erivo, "Poker Face"

• Robby Hoffman, "Hacks"

• Zoë Kravitz, "The Studio"

• Julianne Nicholson, "Hacks"

Who I Want To Win: Jamie Lee Curtis 'The Bear"

Curtis' portrayal as Donna is unforgettable. Whenever she is on the screen, I never know what she is going to say. The intensity that she carries in the scenes lingers even when she is off-screen. There is also care that Cutis handles with Donna that is masterful. In season 3, Donna seemed like she was trying to rebuild the relationship with her children, and Curtis integrated that into her acting of the character.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

• Jon Bernthal, "The Bear"

• Bryan Cranston, "The Studio"

• Dave Franco, "The Studio"

• Ron Howard, "The Studio"

• Anthony Mackie, "The Studio"

• Martin Scorsese, "The Studio"

Jon Bernthal, Outstanding Guest Actor in A Comedy Series winner at the 76th Emmy Awards for his role in The Bear

Who I Want To Win: Jon Benthal

Jon Bernthal's guest spot on "The Bear" is a performance that has stayed with me. In the 'Napkins' episode, he brings Michael to life as someone who's instantly likable. He didn't have much screen time in this episode, but he carries a heaviness that is beyond the surface. This is the third season where we see Michael through flashbacks, and I like how revealing he becomes as the series goes on.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

• "The Bear," Ayo Edebiri ("Napkins")

• "Hacks," Lucia Aniello ("A Slippery Slope")

• "Mid-Century Modern," James Burrows ("Here's To You, Mrs. Schneiderman")

• "The Rehearsal," Nathan Fielder ("Pilot's Code")

• "The Studio," Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg ("The Oner")

Who I Want To Win: "The Bear", Ayo Edebiri ("Napkins')

Edebiri's directorial debut in this episode is a masterclass in quiet, character-driven storytelling. The episode follows Tina's journey during economic uncertainty while dealing with ageism. The standout scene in this episode was the 11-minute conversation with Jon Bernthal's character. The attention to detail and the way that Edebiri brought out the authentic performances elevate the episode.

Christopher Storer, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series winner at the 76th Emmy Awards for his writing for The Bear

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

• "Abbott Elementary," Quinta Brunson ("Back To School")

• "Hacks," Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky ("A Slippery Slope")

• "The Rehearsal," Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Lock-Norton and Eric Notarnicola ("Pilot's Code")

• "Somebody Somewhere," Hanna Bos, Paul Thureen and Bridget Everett ("AGG")

• "The Studio," Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez ("The Promotion")

• "What We Do in the Shadows," Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis and Paul Simms ("The Finale")

Who I Want To Win: "Abbot Elementary", Quinta Brunson ("Back To School')

"Back To School" was such a good way to kick off season 3 with fresh energy, showcasing the characters' growth while navigating a new school year. Brunson brings out comedy in the ensemble cast and sharpens the show's mockumentary style.

Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series winners at the 76th Emmy Awards for their writing for Hacks