Jean Smart could make Emmy history

Decider.com - Vertical
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Aug 13, 2026
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Jean Smart is on the precipice of doing something no one has ever done at the Emmys, and I think
she might just do it.
So let me explain.
TV fanatics know that Jean Smart has already won four Emmys for playing Debra Vance on
Hack.
She won the first season, the second season, the third season, fourth season in 2021, 2022,
2024, and 2025.
And she is currently nominated for this fifth and final season.
If at the Emmys on September 14th, she wins Best Actress in a Comedy Series for playing
Debra Vance in the fifth season, she would complete a flawless run, something that no
That said, there is one massive asterisk-slash-contender who I think could potentially put this run
in danger.
Lisa Kudrow is currently nominated alongside Jean Smart for playing Valerie Cherish in
The Comeback.
Could she pull ahead and take the win, or possibly could they split the vote and allow
for another person to come in and win?
Now, if I had to put money on it right now, I do think it will be Jean Smart for Hacks.
I think that her performance in the final season of Hacks is undeniable.
But then again, I would never want to count Lisa Kudrow out.
What do you think?
Will it be Jean Smart, Lisa Kudrow, or someone else entirely?
Let us know in the comments who you're pulling for and who you're predicting will be the
winner in this category.
