Emmy Predictions 2020 - Who Will and Should Win for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series?

The nominations have been announced for The 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. So now, it's time to speculate on who will and should win in each major category. Next up for analysis is Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

The Nominees Ranked By Which Should Win:

1. Luke Kirby for Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - "It's Comedy or Cabbage"
2. Eddie Murphy for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "Host: Eddie Murphy"
3. Adam Driver for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "Host: Adam Driver"
4. Dev Patel for Amazon's Modern Love - "When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist"
5. Fred Willard for ABC's Modern Family - "Legacy"
6. Brad Pitt for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "SNL at Home #2"

The relationship between Midge Maisel and Lenny Bruce is one of the most captivating dynamics on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It's one built from mutual respect and admiration as comedians. They run into each other on several occasions. They watch each other perform and get the other's comedic sensibilities. Sexual tension is apparent. But it's also subtle. In a bright and expressive show like that, it's truly a delight to see performers just relax into the material and allow the brilliance to shine. Sadness is always present whenever Luke Kirby appears as Lenny Bruce. But it's also clear that his world is made brighter whenever the lead character crosses his path. "It's Comedy or Cabbage" is an exceptional episode that highlights Kirby's role incredibly well. It's full of so much nuance while always being funny and enjoyable. The characters are pushed to go further than ever before. Then, they relax back to take stock of everything that could be. It was brilliant. It was also just as rewarding to see Eddie Murphy return to Saturday Night Live. All of it was a nostalgia play. And yet, it was very effective as that. Murphy always proves that he is a great comedic talent. His career is worth celebrating especially when given strong material to remind everyone just how talented he truly is.

The Nominees Ranked by Which Will Win:

1. Eddie Murphy for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "Host: Eddie Murphy"
2. Luke Kirby for Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - "It's Comedy or Cabbage"
3. Fred Willard for ABC's Modern Family - "Legacy"
4. Adam Driver for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "Host: Adam Driver"
5. Brad Pitt for NBC's Saturday Night Live - "SNL at Home #2"
6. Dev Patel for Amazon's Modern Love - "When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist"

It would be a huge upset if Eddie Murphy lost. That just seems unquestionable. He is going to win. It's his long awaited return to Saturday Night Live. The veteran program wins Emmys every year - especially for the hosts. Even having multiple nominees in the categories doesn't prevent that show from being victorious. Luke Kirby has a possible chance as well because he is the reigning champion. His win was a surprise a year ago. He could certainly prevail once more. It can't come out of the blue twice. His episode is truly wonderful. Or perhaps the voters could go in the more sentimental route of rewarding Fred Willard posthumously. Modern Family has largely disappeared from the Emmy conversation. However, it was a massive success not too long ago. This would be a rewarding way to say goodbye to that former favorite. But again, Eddie Murphy just seems leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. Adam Driver has proven to be a reliable SNL host as well. He doesn't have the swell of support fueling Murphy's momentum. Meanwhile, it was fun to see Brad Pitt make a cameo as Dr. Anthony Fauci. It was a sweet message. It's certainly not the kind of performance that wins awards. Pitt would get it solely for name recognition. The voters have done that before. But again, one outcome seems certain in this race.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Let me know in the comments below!