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 provide 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 COLLECTIVEVisit each category, per the individual awards show from THE EMMYS HUBTo see old predictions and commentary, click the EMMY PREDICTIONS ARCHIVESFor film awards predictions go toTHE OSCARS HUB
UPDATED: June 2, 2022
2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: Not just a social media superstar, Selena Gomez, the singer, producer and actress holds her own, even stealing scenes in Hulu’s hilarious mystery romp “Only Murders in the Building.” Alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short, the acting sensation could become only the third Latina ever nominated in this category — after Rita Moreno (“The Rockford Files”) and America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”), the latter of which won. In addition, as an executive producer for the Hulu series, she could be the first Latina to be double nominated for acting and comedy series in the same year. No to mention, fresh off her first Grammy nomination for best Latin pop album (“Revelación”), a possible Emmy nom (or two) for Gomez would place her on a very small list of women who have been nominated for both in the same year, including Lauren Bacall, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep.
The return of Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in HBO Max’s revival series “And Just Like That…” was huge for the platform. Reminding the world why she won an Emmy along the way for her beloved character, she still has plenty of industry clout and respect that can go a long way with the TV Academy, even if the show didn’t receive exceptional reviews. Familiar names often provide advantages.
Another farewell season in the mix, Issa Rae’s quick-witted comedy series “Insecure” got a proper send-off, and after netting noms for comedy series and lead actress last year (the first time a Black woman was nominated for acting and producing in a comedy series, during the same year — a distinction she shared with Tracee Ellis-Ross for “Black-ish”), she could duplicate the success once again if voters are up to it. Can HBO keep the show at the top of mind with voters with so many contenders vying for attention?
The Flight Attendant
HBO Max
The HBO Max series “The Flight Attendant” is back for its second season, and Kaley Cuoco, who also executive produces, delivers brave work once again. Well-received by critics, and one of the few returning nominees from last year, her Cassie could make an impact with voters once again, as long as it takes back some of the air that’s been sucked up by its streaming counterpart “Hacks” and last year’s winner Jean Smart.
Closing out “Saturday Night Live’s” 47th season, Natasha Lyonne is on the bubble for the second season of “Russian Doll,” which seems to be the leading comedy contender for Netflix. Can they push her through this time around?
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub
The nomination round of voting runs from June 16-27. The official nominations for the 74th Emmy Awards will be announced Tuesday, July 12.
The list of programs and potential nominees listed below is incomplete and is subject to change. The full television awards season calendar is linked here.
2021 category winner: Jean Smart, “Hacks” (HBO/HBO Max)
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Lead 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: Julia Louis-Dreyfus has won this award seven times, the most of any actress, six of which were consecutive for “Veep,” almost the entire run of the series. Candice Bergen and Mary Tyler Moore have won this prize five times over their careers. “Veep” and “Murphy Brown” have been the most nominated series for lead actress comedy.
For nominations: Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the most nominated actress with 12 with Mary Tyler Moore and Bea Arthur behind with 10 and nine.
“The Golden Girls” is the most nominated series with 15 nominations over its run, with “Cheers” behind it with nine.
2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
2022 Creative Arts Emmys Predictions
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Reality Host
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
- Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
- Outstanding Narrator
- Outstanding Structured Program
- Outstanding Unstructured Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Documentary Special
- Outstanding Documentary Filmmaking
- Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
- Outstanding Main Title Design
- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music
- Outstanding Music for Series
- Outstanding Music for Limited Series
- Outstanding Music and Lyrics
- Outstanding Music Supervision
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.
