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Uzo Aduba – The Residence as Cordelia Cupp (Netflix)
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Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This as Joanne (Netflix)
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Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary as Janine Teagues (ABC)
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Ayo Edebiri – The Bear as Sydney “Syd” Adamu (FX)
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Jean Smart – Hacks as Deborah Vance (HBO Max)
What the Experts Predict:
- Los Angeles Times: Jean Smart is the clear frontrunner, with Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson trailing while Aduba and Bell are long shots.
- Entertainment Weekly: Who will/should win: Jean Smart.
- Next Best Picture: Jean Smart is expected to “run away” with the award again.
In summary: Jean Smart is the heavy favourite to win again, with Ayo Edebiri as the strongest challenger, Quinta Brunson still in the mix, and Kristen Bell and Uzo Aduba seen as long shots.
My Prediction:
I’m going with Jean Smart. She’s owned this category for years, and her work in Hacks keeps proving why. Unless voters decide to shake things up with Ayo Edebiri, it feels like Smart’s trophy to lose.
If I Had the Vote:
My personal ballot matches my prediction. I’d also vote for Jean Smart. She’s just unreal in Hacks, sharp, hilarious and somehow still finding new layers to Deborah Vance after all these years. She’s so natural that you forget you’re watching a performance. Honestly, it’s wild that she keeps topping herself season after season. If voters have any sense, she’s taking this again.