Emmy spotlight: Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter (‘Hacks’) are a ‘dynamite’ duo worthy of recognition
The ensemble cast of “Hacks” has once again demonstrated stellar acting work in its third season. The television academy has shown love for the Max comedy actors before, with Jean Smart taking home two Best Comedy Actress Emmys in 2021 and 2022. Supporting players Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins have each been nominated. This year, it would be nice to see Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter get their due as a standout dynamic duo, bringing the laughs each time they share the screen.
The Season 3 finale of “Hacks” established a compelling contrast in the various characters’ relationships. While Deborah (Smart) and Ava’s (Einbinder) dynamic was filled with tension and an urge for revenge, Jimmy (Downs) and Kayla’s (Stalter) partnership flourished from the employer/employee dynamic to colleagues who sincerely respect each other. Downs and Stalter perfectly showcased their characters’ hilarious quirks, as each had moments to shine alongside the legendary Christopher Lloyd.
Downs is already an Emmy winner for his writing on “Hacks” in 2021. He has a total of four nominations, but none yet for his acting. The actor currently ranks seventh in our combined odds for Best Comedy Supporting Actor, facing tough competition from “The Bear” gang of Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Oliver Platt, Lionel Boyce and Matty Matheson, as well as “Abbott Elementary’s” Tyler James Williams and “Only Murder in the Building’s” Paul Rudd. With just six slots up for grabs, eight of our Editors predict Downs will make this year’s lineup, and four Experts agree.
Brian Tallerico (Roger Ebert) pointed out the outstanding performance of Downs and emphasized his crucial role as a co-creator and writer of “Hacks,” noting, “He naturally understands the voice and intent of this season better than anyone and nails his biggest arc to date.”
Stalter also faces strong competition in the Best Comedy Supporting Actress category. She ranks ninth in our odds, with her “Hacks” co-star Einbinder, Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”), “Abbott Elementary’s” Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James, and “The Bear’s” Abby Elliott and Liza Colon-Zayas expected to fill out the category. While these performers delivered compelling work in their respective shows, Stalter can still secure a spot on this year’s list if voters truly love this season of “Hacks.” Gold Derby expert Christopher Rosen predicts she’ll slip into contention and critics have praised Stalter’s work as “dynamite” (Linda Holmes, NPR).
“Hacks” is a top-rated comedy and some believe this season was its best. David Mack (Slate) wrote, “It could’ve gone out on a high. Instead, it’s third season sets the bar even higher.” The show already has 32 Emmy nominations including two for Best Comedy Series, and six wins total. That popularity will only help Downs and Stalter, who were more visible and hilarious than ever in Season 3.
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