Emmys 2024 Poll: Who Should Win for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series?

A mix of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced newcomers are vying to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy this year; it’s almost a shame only one of them can win.

This year’s six nominees include the last two winners: Jean Smart, who has won twice before for her work as stand-up comic Deborah Vance on Max’s Hacks; and reigning champ Quinta Brunson, earning her third nod as levelheaded teacher Janine Teagues on ABC’s Abbott Elementary. They’ll face a strong challenge, though, from The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri, who won in the supporting category last year as chef Sydney on the Hulu kitchen dramedy and is now competing as a lead.

Two SNL veterans are also in the lead actress mix for the first time, both for Apple TV+ shows: Kristen Wiig, for playing ladder-climbing socialite Maxine on Palm Royale; and Maya Rudolph, as billionaire Molly on Loot. Rounding out the category is Selena Gomez, enjoying her first career Emmy nomination in an acting category for playing amateur detective Mabel on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

So does one of the former winners deserve to hear their name called when the Emmys are handed out on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 8/7c on ABC? Or would you rather hand the Emmy to a first-timer instead? Vote for your favorite in the poll below, and then hit the comments to defend your pick.