Primetime Emmy Awards 2025: Will Jean Smart Win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series?

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series was first introduced in 1966 to celebrate the best female performers in the genre.

Many phenomenal actresses have picked up the accolade throughout the decades for their exceptional acting and comedic timing, including Betty White (The Golden Girls), Kirstie Alley (Cheers), Jennifer Aniston (Friends), Tina Fey (30 Rock), and Jean Smart (Hacks).

As Jean Smart has proven popular at the award show in recent years, you might wonder if she will take home the accolade again.

Continue reading to learn if she is likely to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 77^th Primetime Emmy Awards.

BEO Betting odds are showing Jean Smart is most likely to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards 2025::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.

Who Are the Nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series?

Here are the five nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:

• Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
• Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This
• Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
• Jean Smart – Hacks
• Uzo Aduba – The Residence

Jean Smart is the Projected Winner

Hacks has dominated at the Primetime Emmy Awards since the show started in 2021.

As a result, Jean Smart has won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series three times for its first three seasons.

For this reason, BEO Betting odds are tipping for her to win this year, as the fourth season earned much acclaim from top critics and audiences again.

Due to Jean Smart’s strong winning streak, scene-stealing performance as Vegas comic Deborah Vance, and the show’s widespread critical acclaim, she is likely to prove tough competition for other nominees in the category.

Ayo Edebiri is a Favorite

Jean Smart might be the favorite to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series this year, but you shouldn’t underestimate Ayo Edebiri in the category.

After all, she won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023 for her performance as talented chef Sydney in The Bear.

Also, her castmate, Liza Colón-Zayas, won the same accolade the next year, proving the show’s popularity among the Television Academy.

Related

Emmy 2025 Comedy Actor Odds

As season four of The Bear gave audiences an insight into Sydney’s life outside of the professional kitchen, Edebiri had a greater opportunity to showcase her versatile acting range, which could provide her with an edge in the category this year.

Quinta Brunson is a Potential Threat

Quinta Brunson made history at the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards, as she was the first black woman in over 40 years to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Jean Smart’s absence in the category following Hacks’ hiatus allowed Brunson to take home the award she deserves for her role as second-grade teacher Janine Teagues in Abbott Elementary.

While Brunson has struggled to compete with Smart’s comedic chops each year, she has continually earned the respect of the Television Academy.

There is no question that the 35-year-old actress is a force to be reckoned with in comedy. After all, she created the critically acclaimed comedy series, in addition to starring in the leading role.

Also, her character experienced a more personal journey in recent seasons, as Janine and Gregory finally admitted their feelings for each other and entered a relationship. It has allowed Brunson to showcase her acting range, which could lead to her winning the award for the second time in her career this year.

Of course, TV lovers won’t know who will win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series until the ceremony. If you’re excited to find out, watch the 77^th Primetime Emmy Awards 2025 on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

If you believe Uzo Aduba will win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards, you could win $5278 by betting $100 if it happens.