Emmy Voters Urged to Honor Hannah Einbinder’s Performance in Hacks
As the final day of voting for the 77th Emmy Awards approaches, calls are intensifying for Hannah Einbinder to receive the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Hacks. Einbinder’s performance as Ava Daniels has drawn widespread acclaim, making a strong case for her recognition among this year’s nominees.
In an ideal scenario, members of the Television Academy would thoroughly review all nominated performances. However, this is not always the case, as evidenced by the absence of nominations for notable talents like Heléne Yorke for her work on The Other Two. This trend is not confined to television; even within the Academy of Motion Pictures, it is known that some members do not view every film, leading to comments like Kirsten Dunst’s viral declaration, “I saw everything because I’m a member of the Academy.”
Having watched all the nominated comedy series this year, it is evident that Einbinder’s portrayal stands out. Year after year, she has been nominated alongside some of the industry’s finest, including Meryl Streep in Only Murders in the Building. Despite her talent, she has yet to claim the award, often finishing behind competitors like Hannah Waddingham for Ted Lasso and Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary.
Einbinder’s performance in Season 4 of Hacks is particularly noteworthy. After navigating a rocky relationship with her on-screen partner Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, Ava is faced with the challenge of establishing their new late-night show as a success. The tension in their relationship, combined with the pressures of the show’s launch, provides Einbinder with ample opportunity to showcase her dramatic range and comedic timing.
One standout scene occurs in the Season 4 premiere when Ava confronts her colleague, Jimmy, portrayed by Paul W. Downs. In this moment, rather than retreating, Ava asserts her position with a mix of humor and intensity, delivering lines that highlight her unique comedic skill. As the series progresses, the pressure intensifies, culminating in a memorable meltdown where Ava confronts her colleagues about their inappropriate expenses.
“I have been subsidizing lobster rolls for Mrs. Table, a not-real person? A not real person is getting $48 branzino? This is so disrespectful,” she exclaims. The scene encapsulates Einbinder’s ability to balance humor with genuine frustration, offering viewers a blend of comedy and relatability.
The relationship between Ava and Deborah evolves throughout the season, and in the penultimate episode titled “Slippery Slope,” the emotional stakes are raised. After being told by network executives to fire Ava, Deborah finds herself in a poignant moment with her. “There’s no show without you,” Deborah tells Ava, solidifying the importance of Einbinder’s character to the narrative.
As the 77th Emmy Awards are set to take place on September 14, 2023, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the anticipation builds around who will take home the honors. Hacks continues to stream on HBO Max, and its fifth season is eagerly awaited.
For those looking to catch up on the series, HBO Max offers subscriptions starting at $9.99/month with ads, and an ad-free option for $16.99/month. Additionally, discounted bundles including Disney+ and Hulu provide cost-effective streaming solutions.
In this competitive landscape, voters have the opportunity to recognize Einbinder’s remarkable talent and contribution to the series, making a compelling case for her deserving of the Emmy award.
