Emmy favorite Allison Janney (Mom) has been the presumed frontrunner of this race from the beginning of the season. However, I wasn't totally buying that she could win based off name alone. However, the episode submissions have made it clear who this race comes down to. There are really only two viable contenders to win.
Janney is still out front with the hilarious menopause episode of Mom. It's reminiscent of Patricia Heaton's “Bad Moon Rising” episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, which won her an Emmy.
The other contender is Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black). She has the benefit of having her episode focus on her character and allows her to show a lot of range. Although she doesn't have any huge laugh out loud moments, it's definitely the most unique tape in the bunch. She's just behind Janney right now.
Two-time winner and supposed frontrunner last year Julie Bowen (Modern Family) either didn't have any better episodes or just submitted poorly. She has one somewhat funny physical comedy scene where she tries to itch her lice infested hair without having someone noticing, but it's short and definitely not enough.
If there is a Merritt Weaver situation like last year, it could be Anna Chlumsky (Veep) taking the trophy. Although her episode isn't too impressive, I can see her being the alternative choice if voters can't pick a winner, especially is Veep is a hit at this year's Emmys.
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1. Allison Janney, Mom (“Estrogen and Hearty Breakfast”)
2. Kate Mulgrew, Orange is the New Black (“Tit Punch”)
3. Anna Chlumsky, Veep (“Detroit”)
4. Julie Bowen, Modern Family (“The Feud”)
5. Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live (“Host: Anna Kendrick”)
6. Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (“The Indecision Amalmagation”)
Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.