Emmys 2013: Our dream nominees, from 30 Rock to Scandal

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Courteney Cox, Cougar Town

As we said last year when we included Courteney Cox: can you still believe that she has yet to even be nominated? Get on that, Academy! Courteney Cox continues to deliver effortlessly, weaving between genres on Cougar Town (and other series) with ease.

Portia de Rossi, Arrested Development

Guess who else has never been acknowledged by the Emmys? The lovely and talented Portia de Rossi. Portia has a comedic sensibility that just cannot be taught; you can only be born with it. Maybe it’s because she makes it look so easy that she get snubbed ALWAYS, who knows? But in our dreams, she’s at least a nominee — maybe even a winner.

Lena Dunham, Girls

A polarizing choice, but the Emmys has already recognized Lena Dunham, so there’s actually a shot that she’ll make it again! We can question the validity of just how comedic Girls was for a comedy this year, but one thing’s for sure: Lena Dunham carried the series throughout the second season’s 10 episodes expertly, playing the narcissistic Hannah brilliantly.

Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Yes, Tina always gets nominated. But guess why: it’s because she’s really good. She nailed it this final season, hitting every emotional beat sincerely and hilariously. We wouldn’t be so mad if she won for her final year as Liz Lemon.

Mindy Kaling, The Mindy Project

It could be argued that Mindy Kaling is basically just playing herself on her show (for godsakes, she didn’t even change the character’s first name), but we would argue that she plays the character well anyways. Dr. Lahiri often says and does questionable things but Mindy Kaling somehow always manages to keep her character endearing rather than annoying. In addition, as the only leading South Asian woman on TV right now, she definitely deserves some props for breaking barriers.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Just as we said last year, there’s a reason why Julia Louis-Dreyfus ties for most Emmy nominations ever — and will finally break the record this year. She just absolutely nails every comedic beat of every character she plays. This woman’s a natural, and she will get the nomination.

Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

(Another seven-way tie!) Always a nominee, but never a winner, Amy Poehler continues to charm her way through the season as Leslie Knope in one of TV’s best sitcoms currently on air. From crying during a proposal to freaking out about waffles, Amy Poehler has mastered her role. Now she just needs that Emmy!