Jean Smart, 74, added another trophy to her shelf at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Deborah Vance in Hacks. It marks her fourth Emmy for the HBO Max series and her sixth overall. “Thank you so much. You honor me,” Smart said, joking about walking “like John Wayne” after breaking her knee. She praised her crew, cast—especially Hannah Einbinder—and her children. She ended with a simple message: “Let’s be good to each other.”
Other nominees included Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), and Uzo Aduba (The Residence). Edebiri, 29, was recognized for her work as Sydney in The Bear and also received a directing nod for the acclaimed episode “Napkins.” She previously won Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2023.
Bell, 55, earned her first Emmy nomination for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, co-starring Adam Brody. She celebrated the news on Instagram, calling the recognition a dream moment. Brunson, 35, who became the first Black woman in 42 years to win Lead Actress in a Comedy in 2024, continues to balance her role as Janine Teagues with producing and writing Abbott Elementary. This year, she’s nominated in multiple categories.
Aduba, 44, played detective Cordelia Cupp in Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix comedy The Residence, earning another nomination in her decorated career. The 77th Emmy Awards aired live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on CBS and Paramount+.