Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Jamie Lee Curtis, “The Bear”
FX
Guest Acting Categories — Actor (Comedy, Drama) and Actress (Comedy, Drama) (Updated: May 21, 2026): The guest acting races have long been the Emmys’ most unpredictable quartet.
Unlike lead and supporting categories, where performers benefit from sustained visibility across an entire season, guest contenders hinge on being “unforgettable” in as few as one single episode. This year’s field has a nice mix of returning Emmy winners, beloved television veterans, and a few performers still chasing their first statuette.
In guest actor in a drama series, Colman Domingo enters as an early frontrunner for reprising Ali Muhammed, Rue Bennett’s Narcotics Anonymous sponsor on HBO Max’s “Euphoria.” Domingo already won this category in 2022 for the role, and the character’s emotionally resonant monologues continue to stand in the series. It also helps that the actor could also find himself in contention elsewhere this season, including possible bids for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Four Seasons.” His co-star Eric Dane, who returned to “Euphoria” as Cal Jacobs, the deeply conflicted patriarch will have the possibility of a posthumous honor looming. Dane’s recent passing adds an emotional layer to the campaign that could resonate with Television Academy voters.
As a guest actress in a drama series, Shailene Woodley appears to have momentum for her performance in Hulu’s “Paradise.” Still, the category could quickly become crowded with Merritt Wever remaining one of the Academy’s most respected performers, having earned three Emmy wins across three separate categories. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Moss emerges as a major spoiler for Hulu’s “The Testaments,” reprising June Osborne from “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
The guest comedy actor race may ultimately revolve around whether voters want to reward familiar favorites or spread the wealth. Jon Bernthal already won this category in 2024 for playing Mikey Berzatto, Carmy’s late older brother on FX’s “The Bear.” His surprise episode co-written with Ebon Moss-Bachrach has generated strong word that could propel him back into the lineup.
However, Bernthal faces competition from the trio of “Shrinking” scene-stealers — Michael J. Fox, Brett Goldstein and Jeff Daniels. The biggest question may be whether the show’s ensemble popularity helps elevate all three, or causes enough vote-splitting to open the door for someone else.
Guest comedy actress has a similar dynamic. Jamie Lee Curtis won the category in 2024 for her chaotic and heartbreaking turn as Donna “DeeDee” Berzatto on “The Bear” and appears well-positioned for another nomination. She could be joined by any formidable contingent from “Hacks,” particularly Laurie Metcalf and Kaitlin Olson. Additional threats could come from “Shrinking,” including Candice Bergen and Sherry Cola.
All official category submissions have yet to be confirmed, and anything can change before the end of the eligibility cycle.
The Emmy Awards timeline begins with nomination-round voting from June 11-22, with nominations announced on July 8. The final voting runs from Aug. 17-26, leading into the Creative Arts Awards and Governors Gala on Sept. 5–6, culminating with the Emmy Awards ceremony on Sept. 14 on NBC.
Guest Actor (Drama)
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Guest Actor (Comedy)
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Guest Actress (Drama)
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Guest Actress (Comedy)
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