Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues for (“Career Day”) in “ABBOTT ELEMENTARY”
Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu for (“Sundae”) in “THE BEAR”
Renée Elise Goldsberry as Wickie for (“Clarksville”) in “GIRLS5EVA”
Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora for (“The Beat Goes On”) in “ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING”
Maya Rudolph as Molly Wells for (“Space for Everyone”) in “LOOT”
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance for (“Better Late”) in "HACKS"
AND THE WINNER IS:
MAYA RUDOLPH AS MOLLY WELLS FOR ("SPACE FOR EVERYONE") IN "LOOT"
This is the second win and eight nomination for Maya Rudolph. She previously won for voicing Big Mouth (2019). She was also nominated for Saturday Night Live (2010, 2012), Big Mouth (2020-21, 23), Loot (2023). She wins for her performance as Molly Wells on Loot.
This season for leading women in comedy was full of many worthy performances that narrowing the list down to six women was really tricky. This season featured a varied list of performances delivering varied comedic performances that pushes the envelope on what is achievable and doable in comedic acting. My overall winner of Maya Rudolph was an end of season decision as I had to wait for the brilliant second season of Loot to end. I'd been a fan of Rudolph's work on the show having previously nominated her for season 1 and I was so happy to experience her take on Molly all over again.
What makes this performance by Rudolph so compelling is how she makes Molly into more than just a caricature and into a fully developed character with true character emotions and brilliantly delivered comedic beats. As of this post there is no announced third season but I hope to god one gets announced soon as the series and Rudolph's work deserves to be seen more.