Emmys 2012: Julia Louis-Dreyfus wins best actress in a comedy Julia Louis-Dreyfus won the Emmy for lead actress in a comedy series for her role as frazzled Vice President Selina Meyer in HBO's "Veep." Louis-Dreyfus had won the category in 2006 for "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Louis-Dreyfus, 51, won an Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy in 1996 as Elaine Benes in "Seinfeld." She has received 13 Emmy nominations for her comedy series work. Louis-Dreyfus topped a field that included Lena Dunham in "Girls," Melissa McCarthy in "Mike & Molly," Zooey Deschanel in "New Girl," Amy Poehler in "Parks and Recreation," Tina Fey in "30 Rock" and Edie Falco in "Nurse Jackie."