Golden Globes 2025: Will Jean Smart Win Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Hacks?

The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards are fast approaching, and the buzz surrounding potential winners is reaching fever pitch. Among the most anticipated categories is Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, where Jean Smart has secured a nomination for her brilliant portrayal of Deborah Vance in Max’s Hacks. But in a field of formidable contenders, can Smart clinch her second Golden Globe?

Smart’s Reign as a Comedy Queen

Jean Smart is no stranger to accolades. Her career, spanning decades, has garnered her numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmys. Three of those Emmys were awarded for her performance as Deborah Vance, a testament to her captivating portrayal of the complex and hilarious character. Smart’s performance in Hacks has been consistently lauded for its depth, nuance, and comedic timing. She embodies Deborah’s vulnerabilities and triumphs with equal measure, creating a character that is both deeply flawed and undeniably endearing. This isn’t just acting; it’s inhabiting a role so completely that the lines between performer and character blur. She already holds a Golden Globe for the first season of Hacks (Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy), adding weight to her potential repeat win.

Can she win yet another Golden Globe? Betting site 22bet21.com thinks the odds are pretty high, at 1.14/1 or 66.70%.

A Field of Worthy Opponents

While Smart’s performance is undeniably powerful, she faces stiff competition. The nominees for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy include a diverse and talented group of women: Kristen Bell for Nobody Wants This, Quinta Brunson for Abbott Elementary, Ayo Edebiri for The Bear, Selena Gomez for Only Murders in the Building, and Kathryn Hahn for Agatha All Along. Each nominee brings a unique comedic style and impressive performance to the table, making this a particularly competitive category.

Quinta Brunson, the creative force behind Abbott Elementary, has already garnered significant recognition for her work, and her show’s heartwarming humor resonates with audiences. Ayo Edebiri’s performance in The Bear showcases a different kind of comedic brilliance, one rooted in the frenetic energy of a high-pressure kitchen environment. Selena Gomez continues to prove her comedic chops in Only Murders in the Building, while Kathryn Hahn’s scene-stealing turn in Agatha All Along has cemented her status as a comedic powerhouse. Kristen Bell’s nomination for Nobody Wants This rounds out the category with her established comedic prowess.

The Hacks Factor

Hacks itself has been a critical darling, earning praise for its sharp writing, nuanced characters, and insightful exploration of the complexities of female relationships. The show’s success undoubtedly bolsters Smart’s chances, as voters often recognize outstanding performances within the context of a well-crafted series. The show’s renewal for a fourth season speaks volumes about its continued relevance and popularity, further solidifying Smart’s position as a frontrunner.

Smart’s Enduring Legacy

Regardless of the outcome, Jean Smart’s performance in Hacks has already cemented her place as one of the most talented comedic actresses of our time. Her portrayal of Deborah Vance is a masterclass in acting, and her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain for years to come. Winning a second Golden Globe would be a well-deserved recognition of her talent, but even without it, Smart’s legacy as a comedic icon remains secure. The Golden Globes ceremony on January 5th will undoubtedly be a night of celebration for all the nominees, and Jean Smart’s presence among them is a testament to her enduring brilliance.