BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

If Anderson represents “Black-ish” in actor and Park misses out, let’s slot in the amazing Constance Wu for “Fresh Off the Boat” (although, again, I’d be nearly as happy with Tracee Ellis-Ross for “Black-ish”… just trying to spread the wealth).

Unlike most categories, this is one where I expect my top three candidates will coincide with the Academy’s. Julia Louis-Dreyfus has won for every year that “Veep” has been on the air, and, despite my general rooting for the underdog, I’d be fine if she won again. The fourth season of “Veep” was just about perfect and JLD deserves every bit of praise she’s received. Similarly, Amy Poehler has been nominated several times for “Parks and Recreation” and she should be again. Finally, if “Kimmy Schmidt” plays at all this year, you can’t NOT nominate Ellie Kemper. She drives the show.

We’re left with four spots and a wide array of choices. I like Melanie Lynskey, Mindy Kaling, Zooey Deschanel, Patricia Heaton, and the ladies of “Broad City” a lot, but there are two who edge them out. Amy Schumer’s star continues to rise and I actually expect she will get her first Emmy nomination this year. If she doesn’t, it really shows you how out of touch the Academy is with popular culture.

Finally, there’s my longshot dream pick—Aya Cash for “You’re the Worst,” one of the funniest shows of 2014. Like a lot of my suggestions, she represents a beyond-talented ensemble, any of whom would make a fine choice. You really need to start watching “You’re the Worst” when it returns this Fall. You won’t regret it.

Aya Cash, “You’re the Worst”
Ellie Kemper, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”
Amy Schumer, “Inside Amy Schumer”
Constance Wu, “Fresh Off the Boat”