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 senior 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.
“The Four Seasons” (Netflix) — Tina Fey, Will Forte and Colman Domingo
Tina Fey, Will Forte, and Colman Domingo in The Four Seasons
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Commentary (Updated April 3, 2025): The competition for supporting comedy actors includes well-known performers and new faces.
Coming off the “Wicked” phenomenon, Bowen Yang shines again on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” known for creating viral moments and receiving critical praise. He has two prior Emmy nominations, and a win would place him among only four previous “SNL” cast members who have won Emmys for acting. Also having great moments this season are Yang’s co-stars Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson and the previously nominated Kenan Thompson.
Two-time consecutive winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach leads the pack, who plays Richie in FX’s “The Bear.” His powerful performance has made him a favorite among fans and critics. After winning an Emmy in 2024 for this role, he’s likely to be a strong contender again. Richie’s character became more complex in the show’s second season, especially in the standout episode “Forks,” showcasing Moss-Bachrach’s talent.
Close behind him is Paul W. Downs, who co-created HBO/Max’s “Hacks.” He plays Jimmy, Deborah, and Ava’s quirky and lovable manager. “Hacks” has won multiple Emmys, but Downs hasn’t won as an actor yet. This could be his year to get recognized for his great work finally.
Critics Choice winner Michael Urie also stands out in “Shrinking” on Apple TV+, but his Emmy-nominated co-star from the first season, Harrison Ford, could return for more.
Ike Barinholtz rounds out the top seven with Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” where his deadpan delivery brings a clever twist to the show about the industry. Colman Domingo is sure to bring his red carpet pizzaz to get him an invite for Netflix’s upcoming comedy “The Four Seasons,” which could be a surprise and unexpected contender. This also could help co-star Will Forte.
Other possibilities include Zach Galifianakis and Paul Rudd, who both have memorable moments in “Only Murders in the Building.” Tyler James Williams remains a favorite for his work in “Abbott Elementary,” and his co-star Chris Perfetti, who hasn’t been recognized yet.
(The list of predicted nominees and contenders is incomplete and will be updated every Thursday throughout the TV Awards season.)
And the Predicted Contenders Are:
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More Information (Supporting Actor Comedy)
2024 category winner: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear” (FX) — Season 3
Christopher Polk
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About the Primetime Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards, commonly known as the Emmys, are awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Established in 1949, these celebrate outstanding achievements in American primetime television. The Emmys are categorized into three divisions: the Primetime Emmy Awards for performance and production excellence; the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, recognizing achievements in artistry and craftsmanship; and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards, which honor significant engineering and technological advancements. The eligibility period typically extends from June 1 to May 31 each year. The Television Academy hosts the Emmys and has over 20,000 members across 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors, artisans and executives.
