2025 Emmys: Best Comedy Guest Actress and Actor Episode Submissions

As the Emmy voting begins on August 18, here’s a detailed look at the episode submissions for the Best Comedy Guest Actress and Actor nominees, highlighting their performances and Emmy histories.

2025 Emmys: Best Comedy Guest Actress and Actor Episode Submissions

As the Emmy voting begins on August 18, members of the Television Academy are encouraged to review the episode submissions from all nominees, although this is not mandatory. While the lead and supporting acting submissions will be revealed soon by Gold Derby, the choices for guest stars in both comedy and drama categories have been made public through the nominating ballots.

Best Comedy Guest Actress

Olivia Colman as Chef Terry in The Bear
Episode: “Forever”
Recap: Chef Terry emotionally closes Ever, focusing on personal connections and life beyond culinary success.
Emmy History: This marks Colman’s sixth Primetime Emmy nomination; she previously won for The Crown in Best Drama Actress (2021).

Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto in The Bear
Episode: “Ice Chips”
Recap: Donna supports Sugar through childbirth, confronting her past and vowing to improve for her daughter and grandchild.
Emmy History: This is Curtis’ third Primetime Emmy nomination; she won for The Bear in this category (2024).

Cynthia Erivo as Amber Kazinsky in Poker Face
Episode: “The Game Is a Foot”
Recap: Erivo plays quadruplets and former child stars, navigating a plot involving their cruel mother and stolen childhood earnings.
Emmy History: This is Erivo’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.

Robby Hoffman as Randi in Hacks
Episode: “Cover Girls”
Recap: Kayla gives Randi, an industry outsider, a chance to prove herself as a great assistant.
Emmy History: This is Hoffman’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.

Zoë Kravitz as herself in The Studio
Episode: “The Presentation”
Recap: After an overindulgent night, Kravitz faces existential challenges while preparing for her presentation.
Emmy History: This is Kravitz’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.

Julianne Nicholson as Dance Mom in Hacks
Episode: “A Slippery Slope”
Recap: After a night of partying, Dance Mom needs help from Jimmy and Kayla to prepare for a final dance.
Emmy History: This is Nicholson’s third Primetime Emmy nomination; she also competes this year for Paradise in Best Drama Supporting Actress.

Best Comedy Guest Actor

Jon Bernthal as Michael Berzatto in The Bear
Episode: “Napkins”
Recap: Mikey comforts Tina at the Beef, offering her a job and reigniting her hope amid despair.
Emmy History: This is Bernthal’s third Primetime Emmy nomination; he previously won for The Bear in this category (2024).

Bryan Cranston as Griffin Mill in The Studio
Episode: “CinemaCon”
Recap: Under pressure to sell his studio, Cranston’s character goes on a psychedelic bender in Las Vegas.
Emmy History: This is Cranston’s 16th Primetime Emmy nomination; he has won multiple times for Breaking Bad.

Dave Franco as himself in The Studio
Episode: “CinemaCon”
Recap: Franco promotes his movie while facing challenges during a wild night in Las Vegas.
Emmy History: This is Franco’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.

Ron Howard as himself in The Studio
Episode: “The Note”
Recap: Howard clashes with Matt over creative decisions, leading to a heated confrontation.
Emmy History: This is Howard’s 14th Primetime Emmy nomination; he has won multiple awards in the past.

Anthony Mackie as himself in The Studio
Episode: “The Note”
Recap: Mackie tries to persuade Matt to cut a lengthy sequence that could jeopardize the film’s success.
Emmy History: This is Mackie’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.

Martin Scorsese as himself in The Studio
Episode: “The Promotion”
Recap: Scorsese pitches a gritty biopic project, only to find it sidelined for a more commercial film.
Emmy History: This is Scorsese’s 13th Primetime Emmy nomination; he has previously won for Boardwalk Empire.