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Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provides inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.

To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVE
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from THE EMMYS HUB
To see old predictions and commentary, click the EMMY PREDICTIONS ARCHIVES
For film awards predictions go toTHE OSCARS HUB

UPDATED: August 19, 2022

2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY

After four decades in the industry, Sheryl Lee Ralph finally received “her flowers” for playing the stern, but loving kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard in the ABC freshman comedy. An industry veteran, she has worked with many in the biz and could have a large pocket of support that could lead to a surprise win. The TV Academy does love to reward a career, and that could help her sneak past the “Ted Lasso” ladies. Her career spans over four decades, in both film and television. If Ralph wins, she joins a small group of Black women that have won for their comedy work. In supporting actress comedy, she would only be the second Black woman to win this category after Jackee Harry for “227” in 1987. She would be the third overall in the main comedy acting races that includes Isabel Sanford’s sole winning moment for “The Jeffersons” in 1981 for lead actress comedy. Her co-star Quinta Brunson is nominated in lead this year. Of course, that same historical moment can also be bestowed upon Ralph’s co-star Janelle James.

The scene-stealing and hysterical James nabbed her first Emmy nomination for her turn as the hilarious principal, Ava Coleman, in the ABC sitcom. A welcome newcomer to the race, she could serve as an interesting, new type of TV Academy embrace that we haven’t seen before. Her episode submission of “Ava vs. Superintendent” is a knockout. If episode submission still matters (many feel it doesn’t), she could be the winner of the race.

Last year’s winner, Hannah Waddingham continues to be the most likable actress in the industry, showcasing her talents and beauty on every red carpet. If “Ted Lasso” is going to win the top category once again, chances are Rebecca Welton, would likely come along for the ride.

Chances are if you’re voting for Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, you loved every scene he shared with Juno Temple as Keeley Jones. Having a greater story arc in the second season, Temple may be more of a threat than many presume, which could lead to Waddingham being dethroned.

It would be curious to know what the Google search engine numbers were like for Emmy nomination morning, asking “Who is Sarah Niles?” The answer is a fresh face to the Emmy lineup as Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, displaying why Apple’s comedy series could be unstoppable once again. Welcome to the club.

Read moreVariety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub

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The likely runner-up last year to Hannah Waddingham, Hannah Einbinder’s work as Ava Daniels is a cherished force in the HBO Max comedy series. With that said, she might be in her best position yet to win her first Emmy alongside her front-running co-star Jean Smart.

Recognized in this category before for her role as Susie Myerson in the Prime Video comedy series, Alex Borstein is an Emmy darling with numerous previous nominations. She could be a safer, industry choice for this TV Academy to make.

Wrapping her final season of the longstanding NBC variety sketch series, Kate McKinnon has won twice for her hilarious moments. A farewell “sendoff” win could be in the cards if the industry wants to lean into the sentimental factor.

The complete television awards season calendar is linked here.

Read moreVariety’s Awards Circuit Oscars Predictions Hub

The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, Sept. 12, and air on NBC.

2021 category winner: Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)


ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:

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And The Nominees Are:
Rank Actress Role Show (Network)
1 Sheryl Lee Ralph Barbara Howard “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Episode submission:
2 Hannah Waddingham Rebecca Welton “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Episode submission:
3 Janelle James Ava Coleman “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Episode submission:
4 Hannah Einbinder Ava Daniels “Hacks” (HBO Max)
Episode submission:
5 Kate McKinnon Various characters “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Episode submission:
6 Juno Temple Keeley Jones “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Episode submission:
7 Alex Borstein Susie Myerson “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon Prime Video)
Episode submission:
8 Sarah Niles Dr. Sharon Fieldstone “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Episode submission:

AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Supporting Actress Comedy)

The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.

For wins: Rhea Perlman and Doris Roberts have won this category four times, the most in history. Valerie Harper and Laurie Metcalf are close behind, with three each.

“Cheers” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” are the two leading series with wins in this category with six each. “Everybody Loves Raymond” won this award twice in its run.

For nominations: Rhea Perlman and Loretta Swit have received the most nominations in this category, with 10 throughout their careers. Megan Mullally has the second most with eight.

“Saturday Night Live” has received the most nominations with 16 individual nods with “Cheers” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” with 13 and 12, respectively.


2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions

2022 Creative Arts Emmys Predictions

About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)

The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, are given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards have recognized excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes – Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements), and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.

  • The 74th Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, Sept. 12, and air on NBC.