During the audition process for "The Sopranos", David Chase wanted Bracco to read for the lead female role of Carmela Soprano. However, Bracco had read the script and was drawn to the part of psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. Bracco felt strongly enough about her ability and desire to play this part that she arranged a meeting with Chase and talked him into letting her have a chance as Melfi. It netted her three consecutive nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmy Awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001, and at the Golden Globe awards for in 2000, 2001, and 2002. She lost out at the Emmys in 1999 and 2001, and at the Golden Globes in 2000 to her co-star Edie Falco. She was nominated again at the 2007 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, and thus was pitted against her "The Sopranos" co-star Aida Turturro for the award.