Before Emmy Gold: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This year’s nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series are all previous nominees with each representing a different show. Of the five, three are previous winners. The nominees this year are Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Wonder Man), Steve Carrell (Rooster), Matthew Rhys (Widow’s Bay), Jason Segel (Shrinking), and Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building).

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Nominated For: Wonder Man

Past Emmy History: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Watchmen (2020- Winner)

Hidden Gem: Candyman

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has steadily built a resume as versatile and dynamic as his own acting abilities, emerging as one of our most reliable leading men. Whether it’s smaller roles like in Us or taking center stage like Candyman, Abdul-Mateen II brings a magnetic gravitas to each work he does, enriching his personas with weight and personality. Candyman in particular sees Abdul-Mateen II completely go for it, devolving into a performance that’s uninhibited and unhinged.

Wonder Man feels like a project built for a performer like Abdul-Mateen II who plays Simon Williams, a struggling actor hiding his own superpowers who hopes to make it big in Hollywood. He milks Simon’s self-seriousness about acting for every comedic beat its worth, giving a performance that is equally funny as it is frustrating. Yet, despite the fact that Simon’s personality can become taxing, Abdul-Mateen II is able to make him someone you root for. His heart shines brightly with his beautiful connection with Trevor (Ben Kingsley).

Steve Carell

Nominated For: Rooster

Past Emmy History: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – The Office (2006-2011), Outstanding Comedy Series – The Office (2008-2011), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – The Morning Show (2020)

Hidden Gem: Evan Almighty

Steve Carell is no stranger to the Emmys, solidifying himself as one of our most iconic comedic voices as Michael Scott on The Office. Carell soon carved a lane for himself in dramatic work as well with an Oscar-nominated turn in Foxcatcher and his Emmy-nominated work on the first season of The Morning Show.

Despite his comedic prowess, Rooster presents Carell with something new to sink his teeth into. Reminiscent of his work in Evan Almighty, Carell brings a grounded and gentle touch to his work in Rooster. Yes, the laughs hit and he isn’t afraid of being ridiculous, but he leads with a big beating heart that envelopes you instantly.

Matthew Rhys

Nominated For: Widow’s Bay

Past Emmy History: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – The Americans (2016, 2017, 2018 – Winner), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series – Girls (2017), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Perry Mason (2021), Outstanding Comedy Series – Widow’s Bay (2026), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – The Beast in Me (2026)

Hidden Gem: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Matthew Rhys’ previous Emmy recognition alone demonstrates his wide-sprawling range as a performer. Like a chameleon, he’s able to embrace the surroundings of whatever project he’s graced with his presence, be it the darkness of The Americans and The Beast or the silliness of Widow’s Bay. He’s able to go big but also turns in immaculately restrained performances like in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood where he emotionally holds his own against Tom Hanks.

Though he’s no stranger to comedy, Widow’s Bay sees Rhys ascending to comedic heights, channeling the physical comedy we don’t get to see on TV anymore while maintaining his dry wit. Tom Loftis is a tricky tightrope of a character and Rhys walks it with unquestionable ease. Rhys has molded Tom into one of the most memorable characters or the year.

Jason Segel

Nominated For: Shrinking

Past Emmy History: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Shrinking (2023, 2025)

Hidden Gem: Over Your Dead Body

Jason Segel brings a lovable warmth to every single role he dons (even his darker turn in this year’s Over Your Dead Body) and always manages to leverage it to uplift the intent of the project he’s in. Segel combines this pathos with an awe-inspiring fearlessness with his comedy. He completely goes for it every time and, because of that, he soars with every unique choice he makes.

This season of Shrinking allowed Segel to flex that concoction of heart and laughter like never before as he cracks Jimmy open in profound and difficult ways. Over the course of three seasons, we’ve watched this man try and put his life back together. Now, he’s put to the test of keeping it all together. Segel embraces Jimmy’s flaws wholeheartedly, crafting a nuanced portrait of healing and forward momentum.

Martin Short

Nominated For: Only Murders in the Building

Past Emmy History: Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program – SCTV Network 90 (five episodes in 1983, Winner for “Sweeps Week”), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Merlin (1998), Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety Program – Primetime Glick (2003), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Damages (2010), Outstanding Variety Special – AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: Mel Brooks (2014), Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life (2018), Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special – Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life (2018), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – The Morning Show (2020), Outstanding Comedy Series – Only Murders in the Building (2022-2026), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Only Murders in the Building (2022-2026), Outstanding Host for a Game Show – Match Game (2026)

Hidden Gem: Inherent Vice

It’s hard to condense the behemoth that is Martin Short to just a small blurb. With a career going back to the 70s, Short made his mark as a zany, electrifying performer. In his work onscreen and in voiceover, Short feels like a live wire, both unpredictable and mesmerizing.

His work on Only Murders in the Building has been recognized every season and it’s easy to see why. Oliver is a goofy guy that you can’t help but fall in love with. Short makes a meal of his little eccentricities and tall tales to form one of the most memorable modern characters we’ve seen on television. He eats up every scene he’s in, even when he’s not doing much. And, when he’s not there, boy, do you miss him in whatever purple ensemble he’s elected to wear. Short proves year after year that he shows no signs of slowing down, filling Oliver Putnam with verve and gusto.