"The Bear" Star Ayo Edebiri Declines to Weigh in on Comedy Debate

As the 2025 Emmy Awards approach, the debate surrounding the categorization of the hit show "The Bear" continues. The series, which has found itself nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, has sparked an ongoing discussion about whether its dramatic nature truly fits within the comedy genre.

However, the show's star and director, Ayo Edebiri, has chosen to remain neutral on the matter. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Edebiri stated that the question of the show's genre is "honestly above [her] pay grade" and suggested that the studios behind the production should be the ones to weigh in on the debate.

Despite the ongoing discussion, Edebiri's own Emmy nominations this year suggest the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has no qualms about considering "The Bear" a comedy. The actress is nominated for both Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, the latter for the episode "Napkins." This marks the first time since 2013 that someone has been recognized in both categories for the same show in the same year.

Edebiri, who was elevated to the Lead Actress category for the show's second season, did not repeat her Supporting Actress win from the first season, losing to Jean Smart in "Hacks." However, "The Bear" did manage to secure several other Emmy wins in its inaugural season, including Outstanding Comedy Series and a number of Primetime Creative Arts Emmys.

As Edebiri looks to the future, she has expressed a deep passion for directing, stating that she "really loves it" and can't wait to do more of it. Fans of the actress can also look forward to seeing her in upcoming projects, including Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt" and James L. Brooks' "Ella McCay."