2023 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

We will update this article throughout the season, along with all our predictions, so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2023 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting takes place from June 15 to June 26, with the official Emmy nominations announced Wednesday, July 12. Afterward, final voting commences August 17 and ends the night of August 28. The 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will now take place Monday, January 15, live on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

See our previous thoughts on what to expect at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards here.

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The State of the Race

While the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy race still feels pretty unpredictable going into final voting, it does not seem like standings have changed much since Emmy nominations were announced. The biggest question is are Emmy voters going to pull the trigger and award “The Bear” star Ayo Edebiri now, while she is clearly having a breakout year across film and TV, or will they vote for “Abbott Elementary?”

It was a smart move on FX’s part to release “The Bear” Season 2 during Emmy nominations voting, because even though those episodes are not eligible for Emmys until next year, they still helped move the needle for supporting actors Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach to get nominated for their Season 1 work this year. And while all nominees have pretty much sat out of campaigning post-nominations, in solidarity with the WGA and SAG strikes, Edebiri has been one who had enough projects lined up to keep her at the top of voters’ minds.

But the best way to win the Emmy is to have already won it, and not only does “Abbott Elementary” star have that advantage, she also was basically the star of last year’s Emmys. When voters are looking at their ballot, there are plenty of positive memories associated with giving Ralph the award, like her singing “Endangered Species” a cappella.

With this award in particular, even if there are multiple cast members that are deserving, voters still don’t really cycle through awarding them, but Ralph’s co-star Janelle James is so strong on the show as well that she is never one to be counted out here.

However, if there is a dark horse in this race, it is “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Alex Borstein, who has already won this category twice for her turn as scrappy talent manager Susie Myerson on the Prime Video hit. In context, her character plays a much larger role in the conclusion of that show than “Ted Lasso” nominees Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple do in what may be the end of their Apple TV+ comedy.

Power Rankings:

1. Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

2. Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear” (Hulu)

3. Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

4. Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Prime Video)

5. Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)

6. Jessica Williams, “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

7. Juno Temple, “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)

Will Win: Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Could Win: Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Should Win: Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”

More Comedy Category Predictions:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

To see IndieWire’s full set of predictions for the 75th Emmy Awards click here.

Last Year’s Winner: Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Still Eligible: Yes.
Hot Streak: Last year was Sheryl Lee Ralph’s first Emmy win for “Abbott Elementary,” so no streak yet, but if she did win again, she would become the first Black actress to win this category twice.
Notable Ineligible Series: Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks” (Season 3 was not eligible)

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• 2023 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

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• 2023 Emmys Predictions: Outstanding Comedy Series

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