As Television Academy voters prepare to cast their final ballots, all eyes turn to the episode submissions that could define this year’s winner’s circle. The race for Best Comedy Actress features a stacked lineup of returning powerhouses and fresh faces, all vying for the top prize with episodes that highlight their finest comic timing.
Below is the breakdown of every submission in the Best Comedy Actress category.
QUINTA BRUNSON (ABBOTT ELEMENTARY)
Episode: “Night Out”
Character: Janine Teagues
Recap: Janine and Gregory step out for a long-awaited night out together, attempting to navigate the changing dynamics of their relationship outside the halls of Abbott, while the rest of the faculty host an impromptu movie night.
Emmy history: This is Brunson’s 15th nomination across acting, writing, and producing. She previously won Comedy Actress in 2024 and Comedy Writing in 2022, both for Abbott Elementary.
AYO EDEBIRI (THE BEAR)
Episode: “Worms”
Character: Sydney Adamu
Recap: While contemplating a major career decision between staying at The Bear or taking an offer elsewhere, Sydney spends an unexpected afternoon babysitting her cousin’s daughter, navigating local neighborhood dynamics and wrestling with her future over a bag of gummy worms.
Emmy history: This is Edebiri’s fifth nomination. She previously won Comedy Supporting Actress in 2023 for The Bear, and earned nominations in Comedy Actress (2024, 2025) as well as Comedy Directing (2025).
ELLE FANNING (MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES)
Episode: “Lock and Load”
Character: Margo Millet
Recap: Facing a high-stakes custody hearing for her son Bodhi, Margo must rally her unconventional support system, defend her career on OnlyFans, and prove her competence as a mother in an emotionally charged courtroom showdown.
Emmy history: This is Fanning’s second acting nomination in this category after a previous nomination in 2022 for The Great. She is also nominated this year as an executive producer in Best Comedy Series for Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
LISA KUDROW (THE COMEBACK)
Episode: “Valerie Faces Reality”
Character: Valerie Cherish
Recap: Returning to a sitcom soundstage, Valerie faces unresolved grief over the loss of her longtime hairstylist and confidant, Mickey. While clashing with a costume designer, she accidentally misplaces Mickey’s ashes. She and her crew ultimately sneak up onto the studio scaffolding to scatter them in a poignant, chaotic final tribute.
Emmy history: Kudrow is a 17-time Emmy nominee across Primetime and Children’s categories. She won Best Comedy Supporting Actress in 1998 for Friends, and previously scored Best Comedy Actress nominations for The Comeback in 2006 and 2015.
JEAN SMART (HACKS)
Episode: “Hacks” (Finale)
Character: Deborah Vance
Recap: After deciding to forgo cancer treatment, Deborah takes off for Paris and Ava reluctantly joins her. While the two bond and share special moments on the trip, Ava struggles with Deborah’s decision and tries to convince her to change her mind.
Emmy history: Smart is a 15-time nominee and seven-time Emmy winner. Her four Best Comedy Actress wins for Hacks (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) join her previous wins as Best Comedy Supporting Actress for Samantha Who? (2008) and Best Comedy Guest Actress for Frasier (2000, 2001). She will be inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in August.
