The Comedy Queens Crowned: Hannah Einbinder's Shock Win And The Fiercest Emmy Supporting Actress Battles Of 2025

The landscape of television comedy has never been more electrifying, culminating in a nail-biting race for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. As of today, December 11, 2025, the conversation is dominated by the monumental win at the 77th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, where a long-time nominee finally clinched the gold in a category stacked with veterans and rising stars.

The recent ceremony cemented a new era of recognition for complex, often dramatic, performances within the comedy genre, highlighting characters that are the emotional backbone of their respective series. The competition was a true clash of titans, showcasing the incredible depth of talent currently gracing the small screen.

The New Reign: Hannah Einbinder's Triumph at the 77th Emmys

The most recent and definitive highlight in this prestigious category is the victory of Hannah Einbinder for her role as Ava Daniels in the critically acclaimed HBO series, *Hacks*. This win at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards was a moment of profound validation, following multiple consecutive nominations for her outstanding work on the show. Einbinder's performance as the sharp, complicated, and often self-destructive young writer who partners with a legendary comedian has been lauded for its emotional nuance and comedic timing.

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The character of Ava Daniels is a masterclass in blending millennial cynicism with genuine heart, serving as the perfect foil and eventually, the trusted confidante, to Jean Smart's Deborah Vance. Her victory underscores a shift in how the Television Academy views comedy—favoring performances that carry significant dramatic weight while still delivering sharp wit. This was Einbinder's first Emmy win, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting performers of her generation.

A Look at the Fierce 2025 Nominees

The 77th Emmy race was arguably one of the most competitive in the category's history, featuring a lineup of actresses whose performances defined their respective shows. The depth of the field made Hannah Einbinder's victory all the more significant. The nominees were:

• Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels (*Hacks*) - WINNER
• Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina Marrero (*The Bear*)
• Kathryn Hahn as Maya Mason (*The Studio*)
• Janelle James as Ava Coleman (*Abbott Elementary*)
• Catherine O'Hara as TBA (*The Studio*) - *Note: O'Hara was a predicted strong contender in the 2025 cycle, further highlighting the category's strength.*

The inclusion of Kathryn Hahn for the new series *The Studio* and the return of perennial favorites like Janelle James (*Abbott Elementary*) and Liza Colón-Zayas (*The Bear*) created a true battle of fan favorites and critical darlings. Each nominee brought a distinct flavor to the category, from Hahn's celebrated versatility to James's pitch-perfect comedic villainy as the non-committal principal.

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The Shifting Landscape: From Sheryl Lee Ralph to Liza Colón-Zayas

To truly appreciate the 2025 outcome, it is essential to look back at the immediate past, which set the stage for this new era of comedy recognition. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards (2024) saw a historic and emotional win for Liza Colón-Zayas for her portrayal of Tina Marrero in the comedy-drama series *The Bear*.

Colón-Zayas’s performance was hailed as a breakout moment, capturing the transformation of a hardened, skeptical kitchen veteran into a supportive and loyal member of the restaurant's family. Her character arc, particularly in the second season, resonated deeply with voters, proving that a performance rooted in dramatic sincerity could triumph in the comedy category.

The 2024 category itself was a monumental field, featuring an unprecedented mix of legendary talent and fresh faces:

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• Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina Marrero (*The Bear*) - WINNER
• Carol Burnett as Norma Dellacorte (*Palm Royale*)
• Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels (*Hacks*)
• Janelle James as Ava Coleman (*Abbott Elementary*)
• Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard (*Abbott Elementary*)
• Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin (*Only Murders in the Building*)

The presence of Hollywood icons like Carol Burnett and Meryl Streep alongside the previous year's winner, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and the consistently nominated Hannah Einbinder, highlighted the prestige and intense competition of the category. Colón-Zayas's win over such a formidable group was a clear signal that the Television Academy was rewarding impactful, character-driven performances, regardless of the traditional "sitcom" format.

Topical Authority: The Evolution of the Supporting Comedy Actress Role

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series has a storied history, but its definition has dramatically evolved. Historically, the award often went to performers in traditional sitcoms, delivering punchlines and classic comedic relief. However, the wins in 2024 and 2025 reflect a broader industry trend where the lines between comedy and drama are increasingly blurred—a genre often termed "dramedy."

The success of shows like *The Bear*, *Hacks*, and *Abbott Elementary* demonstrates that supporting actresses are now being recognized for their ability to anchor the emotional core of a series. Liza Colón-Zayas's work as Tina Marrero, for instance, involves moments of profound vulnerability and growth, while Hannah Einbinder's Ava Daniels navigates complex grief and professional ambition. These are not merely sidekick roles; they are performances that drive the narrative and provide essential depth.

This category is a key barometer for the health and direction of television comedy. It celebrates the essential, often unsung heroes who elevate the lead performances and make the ensemble truly shine. The shift towards recognizing performances from shows with a darker or more grounded tone, such as *The Bear* and the emotional beats of *Hacks*, indicates a maturation of the category, rewarding complexity over simple laughs.

The consistent presence of actresses like Janelle James and the continued nomination of Liza Colón-Zayas in the 2025 cycle, even after her 2024 win, speaks volumes about the enduring quality of their work. The stage is already being set for the next battle, with viewers and critics alike eagerly anticipating which powerhouse performance will capture the attention of the Television Academy next.