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 24, 2022
2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY:
After winning an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and delivering a showstopping hosting gig for The Tony Awards, Ariana DeBose’s star continues to rise. Even though the writing wasn’t particularly strong during her week on “Saturday Night Live,” she delivered big time with her opening number and breakout moments. The Afro-Latina sensation could join a small group of people who had won Oscars and Emmys in the same year, with the last being Helen Mirren when she won for “The Queen” and “Elizabeth I.” She does have other “SNL” counterparts that could siphon votes.
The most famous person in the world for simply being famous, Kim Kardashian, had all the best “Saturday Night Live” writers show up for her hosting gig on the sketch series. Aside from getting boyfriend Pete Davidson in the process, her new reality show “The Kardashians” will also have eyes on it, which could help her snag votes for the NBC show.
Other music sensations, such as Lizzo and Billie Eilish, could sneak into the lineup. But unfortunately, Selena Gomez, who is contending for lead actress (comedy) for Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” was not submitted, along with Zoe Kravitz and the season finale host Natasha Lyonne.
Speaking of “Only Murders,” – As soon as Jane Lynch walked onto the screen as former comedy partner Sazz Pataki in Hulu’s murder mystery, we knew an Emmy nomination wouldn’t be too far away. However, while she is a familiar face, she may split votes with her other supporting actress role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Also submitted for “Only Murders” are guest actresses Da’Vine Joy Randolph and multiple Emmy winner Tina Fey.
Back for a possible second Emmy nom, Jane Adams’ beloved Nina Daniels is in the mix again for the sophomore season of “Hacks.” While Laurie Metcalf will also be in the conversation this time, don’t count Adams out for another shortlist appearance.
In addition to executive producing, writing and starring in her Emmy-contending “Abbott Elementary,” Quinta Brunson returns to her roots on Robin Thede’s magnificent HBO sketch series. The TV Academy has previously loved to double, triple and even quadruple nominate performers. So if voters check her off in other spots, this could be a no-brainer pick-up for her.
Seven Emmys have Tracey Ullman’s name engraved in them. HBO’s comedy series starring Larry David had managed multiple guest acting spots before, even when the show itself came up short. Ullman’s work on the latest season could be enough to push her into the fold, possibly getting a shot at another Emmy victory.
And don’t forget about the royalty that could pop up in the category, such as Dolly Parton (“Grace and Frankie”), Maya Rudolph (“MacGruber”) and Alex Borstein (“Resident Alien”).
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub.
The nomination round of voting runs from June 16 to June 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: Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Guest Actress in a Comedy Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award.
Historic category data to be added.
2022 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
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 or Nonfiction 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.