The entertainment industry is packed with awards for excellence, from theDorian Awardsto the Golden Globes, it seems there is a never-ending list of ways to be recognized for your work. ThePrimetime Emmy Awards, in particular, are a prestigious award bestowed to any deserving TV series. The Emmys are the Academy Awards for television, a recognition of excellence in American television. While there are many categories at the Emmy Awards, one major string of awards are those that fall under comedy.
The comedy TV genre is tricky to get right; it requires not only perfect writing and content, but much of a comedy’s success relies on the performances of the cast. The Emmys acknowledge performances by handing out specific awards to specific actors for their performances in a comedy. These are the best Emmy-winning performances in a comedy series of the 2010s, ranked.
7Donald Glover — Atlanta
Atlantais a series revolving around the life of Princeton dropout Earn Marks, who gets caught up in the Atlanta rap scene as he tries to manage his cousin’s career. This comedy-drama was praised for its uncensored analysis of issues in Atlanta, like racism, homelessness, and modern African-American culture, as well as its accurate depiction of the Atlanta rap scene.Donald Glover, who plays the role of Earn, has won two awards for his performance as the cynical manager who often makes reckless decisions for season one and two ofAtlanta. Many have considered this to be one ofGlover’s best performances, considering how deeply he immersed himself in the role.
Related:Best Emmy-Winning Performances in a Drama Series of the 2010s, Ranked
6Jon Cryer — Two and a Half Men
The long-runningTwo and a Half Menrevolves around newly divorced Alan Harper who moves in with his brother Charlie. As Alan struggles to pay his alimony and take care of his son Jake, their family experiences many unique situations.Jon Cryerplays the role of Alan, who is an underwhelming failure compared to his wealthy jingle-writing brother. WhileTwo and a Half Mensaw a drastic reduction in ratings afterCharlie Sheen’s departurefrom the show in 2011, Cryer still managed to keep fans watching thanks to his hilarious portrayal of the clingy, whiny, and cheap chiropractor.
5Kate McKinnon — Saturday Night Live
Saturday NIght Liveis acomedy sketch showknown for having a wide range of cast members, kick-starting the careers of many comedians over the years. One such actress isKate McKinnonwhose comedic work has earned her roles in films likeTed 2andGhostbusters. For all her work onSNL, McKinnon received a number of Primetime Emmy Award nominations, taking home two for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. After working as a regular member of the show for a whole decade, McKinnon officially left the show earlier this year to branch out and work on her own career, including shows likeJoe vs Carole.
4Bill Hader — Barry
Revolving around a low-level hit man who winds up finding himself wanting to start a new life as an actor,Barry’s ludicrous premise is part of what makes this series so hilarious. As much as Barry wants to leave his dark past behind him, his boss won’t let him walk away so easily.Bill Haderplays the titular role and, despite hisSNLhistory, he manages to deliver a gut-busting performance in this black comedy crime drama.Barryhas been subject to universal acclaim, with a great deal of praise going to Hader’s performance, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance.
Related:8 Awards-Worthy TV Performances to Watch Out For This Emmys Season
3Julie Bowen — Modern Family
Modern Familyis a classic comedy series that tells the story of a number of modern families, from a nuclear family to a gay couple doing their best to parent their adopted daughter. The show is one of a kind, helping to redefine the meaning of the word ‘family’.Modern Familybroke new ground for television and won five consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. Playing the role of Claire Dunphy,Julie Bowenwas nominated a whopping six times for her performance as Claire and won twice for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy series.
2Julia Louis-Dreyfus — Veep
A political comedy about a fictional Vice President of the United States,Veepfollows Selena Meyer and her team as they attempt to leave a legacy without getting lost in the mundane. The show itself was subject to critical acclaim, winning a total of three Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.Julia Louis-Dreyfuswon the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for five consecutive years for her performance as Selena Meyer onVeep. This has only added to Louis-Dreyfus' huge collection of awards, making her one of the most awarded actresses.
1Jim Parsons — The Big Bang Theory
Topping our list isJim Parsons' long-standing performance as Sheldon Cooper inThe Big Bang Theory, a series that is centered around four scientists in California and their lives, both professional and socially. Part ofThe Big Bang Theory’s appeal is the unashamed nerdiness of the main characters, who go so far as to fight over rare comic books. In its classic sitcom style,The Big Bang Theorywas subject to mixed reviews initially, but eventually received more positive reviews. Parsons won a total of four Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance as Sheldon, a socially inept but brilliant scientist who manages to make everyone laugh with his crazy antics.
