The Emmys had a few rule changes this year, one of which resulted in a jam-packed eight-nominee category. So, it was quite impressive that Allison Janney won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy considering some of the talent the Mom star was up against. In addition to the winner, the category sported the likes of Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Niecy Nash (Getting On), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent), Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Anna Chlumsky (Veep).
This year the two percent rule came into effect, which allows for the expansion of the category to a whopping eight nominees. Basically the rule says that if only two percent of the vote separates the seventh and eighth place options, the category could expand to allow for a maximum of eight nominees. It's saying something about the female talent on TV and online streaming services that the 2015 Emmys hit that max in the Supporting Actress category.
Between Amazon, Netflix, HBO, and network TV, there were a lot of high-caliber actresses up for the win, and they should all feel proud of themselves. It was something that Janney made sure to acknowledge in her victory speech. "There were eight of us in this category. I feel like I won the lottery because you all are amazing and should be up here as well."
But, Janney was definitely deserving of the award, which helped her tie a record. This was her seventh victory, tying her with Ed Asner for most wins for performing. Women like Janney are proving that there's no dearth of complex female characters in comedy today. The Emmys are lucky they have that eight-person cap, because, without it, this category would likely be overrun with talented actresses, and it would be even more impossible to choose a winner. But, Janney was a pretty good choice in an impossible situation, and I can't wait to see where she takes the character next.
