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he nomination line-up this year has shown an Emmy field still recovering from last year’s post-strike haze, but it is now more competitive than ever. Old heavyweights like Severance (27 nominations) and The White Lotus (23 nominations) dominated once again, while newcomers such as The Pitt, The Studio, Adolescence, and even legal thriller Presumed Innocent broke new ground. But alongside every triumph came notable omissions—and a few puzzling calls. Here’s a deeper look at some of the biggest snubs and surprises.
SURPRISE: TheStudio sets records
Seth Rogen’s insider Hollywood comedy The Studio is leading the pack among new comedies with a whopping 23 nominations, breaking the Emmy record for any debut series. Apple TV+ had all the fun with this series, sweeping nominations in all the major categories including acting, writing, and directing. For guest acting, there were six nominations for prominent cameos by Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Zoë Kravitz, among others—yet curiously, Sarah Polley could not secure one.
SNUB: Allison Janney for The Diplomat
Allison Janney almost has an honorary parking spot at the Emmys, but there was no nod for her in this year’s nominations, despite her outstanding appearance in The Diplomat. Playing a Vice President on a show brimming with realpolitik and layered dialogue should have earned her an eighth nod. Perhaps voters had fatigue with Janney in political arena (after The West Wing), or maybe this year’s supporting drama category was just too richly crowded. Either way, this was a glaring snub.
SURPRISE: The White Lotus gets seven
acting nominations (again)
The third season of The White Lotus, set in Thailand and written by Mike White, proved that the Emmy voters can always be swayed by locations and well-dressed rich people, even if the theme is somewhat repetitive. The show scored seven nominations in the acting categories, including Parker Posey, Sam Rockwell, Natasha Rothwell (finally, justice for Belinda!), and Jason Isaacs. However, some better candidates from the same show such as actors Patrick Schwar-zenegger, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and even Blackpink’s Lisa were left out.
SNUB: The Pitt’s ensemble left in the ER
The Pitt, a new medical drama, received a total of 13 nominations, including shout-outs for Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa, and guest actor Shawn Hatosy— yet its standout supporting cast went entirely unacknowledged. That includes Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, Isa Briones, and Tracy Ifeachor—which is odd for a show applauded for its acting bench.
SURPRISE: Harrison Ford finally gets
an Emmy nod
Harrison Ford finally received an Emmy nod at age 83 — a well-earned milestone in a career full of firsts—for Shrinking. His characteristically sensitive portrayal of a psychiatrist fighting Parkinson’s was the highlight of the show during its second season. Jessica Williams, Jason Segel, and Michael Urie were also recognised in supporting roles. Better late than never.
SNUB: Natasha
Lyonne for Poker Face
Natasha Lyonne, previously nominated and the distinctive face of Peacock’s Poker Face, was left off the list this year — a disappointment, especially considering the strong second season and her central role. A shame.
SURPRISE: Jake
Gyllenhaal’s
intensity sticks
Legal thriller Presumed Innocent arrived and departed without too much pomp, but Gyllenhaal’s scenery-chewing turn as a prosecutor accused of murder earned him an Emmy nod. He delivered a pretty compelling performance though so we’re rooting for him.
SNUB: Selena Gomez and Steve Martin shut out
In the past, Only Murders in the Building has been an Emmy favourite, but after four seasons, voters seem to be a bit burnt out on the whodunit mystery. Martin Short got a nod, but his co-stars Steve Martin and Selena Gomez did not. Steve Martin carried much of the emotional weight in the last season, and Gomez has improved tremendously with each season, so they both deserved a nomination at least, if not a win.
SURPRISE: Owen Cooper for
Adolescence
Whether a clever category gamble or simple breakout success,15-year-old Owen Cooper’s supporting actor nod for Adolescence broke records — and raised eyebrows. He’s the youngest ever in the category — and perhaps a vote-splitting strategy to keep votes from going to co-lead Stephen Graham. But if you do watch the series, you will agree that this kid knocked it out of the park and certainly earned this nomination.
SNUB: Megan Stalter and Meryl Streep
Scene-stealer Meg Stalter (Hacks) and living legend Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building) were both missing from the comedy supporting actress roster. In Stalter’s instance, hope exists for her as the new lead actress in Lena Dunham’s Too Much next year—assuming Emmy voters find themselves in a Dunham mood. And Meryl Streep—well she’s Meryl Streep. Enough said.
SURPRISE: Kristen Bell’s first Emmy nomination
Despite a stacked TV resume that includes hit series like Veronica Mars and The Good Place, Kristen Bell has long been overlooked — until now. Thanks to Nobody Wants This, she’s broken through at last, joining co-star Adam Brody on the nominations list.
SNUB: Elisabeth
Moss for The
Handmaid’s Tale
After six seasons, 15 Emmy wins, and dozens of nominations, Hulu’s must-watch dystopian series ended with barely a bow. And while Cherry Jones did score a guest acting nomination, the show’s lead — Elisabeth Moss — was snubbed from the final honours. It’s a surprise, considering Moss’s emotionally draining performance as June has been the show’s pillar all along. A major snub like this says the Academy has already moved on, even if fans haven’t.
SURPRISE: Uzo Aduba for the cancelled
Netflix series, The Residence
Though Netflix pulled the plug on The Residence after a single season, Uzo Aduba’s performance as the flamboyant detective Cordelia Cupp stood out enough to earn a nomination — proof that past Emmy winners still hold sway.
SNUB: Agatha All Along shut out in
acting categories
Marvel’s much-delayed and much-discussed WandaVision spin-off, Agatha All Along, was sure to be provocative — especially with Kathryn Hahn back in her scene-stealing portrayal of the titular sorceress. While Hahn picked up a nod, it was for her performance in The Studio, not Agatha All Along. Her performance in Agatha All Along was gleefully theatrical, matched by a capable ensemble — all overlooked despite the show’s genre-bending appeal.
SURPRISE: Black
Mirror makes a comeback
Netflix’s dystopian anthology series had a sleeper hit with Black Mirror’s Common People, featuring Rashida Jones in a chilling critique of the healthcare industry. Both series and actress were nominated, marking Emmy voters renewed embracing of dark tech.
SNUB: The Four
Seasons fizzles with just one nomination
With Tina Fey and Steve Carell’s names behind it, The Four Seasons arrived with the kind of hype that most comedies envy. And still, the show was nearly completely snubbed, with just one supporting actor nomination for the always-excellent Colman Domingo. Critics were split on the tone of satire — arrogant characters that were funnier on paper than they were in reality — but Emmy voters have traditionally welcomed pedigree comedies as prestige fare. Not this year.
SURPRISE: No love
for Andor
Even with its critical success as one of the most cerebral entries in the Star Wars saga, Andor again went unnoticed in acting nominations. The critical acclaim Diego Luna earned for portraying the morally troubled Cassian was not sufficient to convince voters. The cast, which also featured Stellan Skarsgard and Denise Gough, provided some of the most dramatic and thought-provoking work on genre TV. A glaring omission for a series that refuses to succumb to franchise fatigue with its political heft and slow-burn intensity.
SNUB: Industry is closed for awards business
The incisive, high-stakes British drama of finance and power has been a critical favourite since its premiere, and its last season was no exception — with Myha’la Herrold especially delivering a blistering lead performance. Again, however, Industry has been shut out of the Emmys altogether. It’s a puzzling omission for a show that’s clever, stylish, and says more about capitalism in one episode than some prestige dramas do in an entire season.
In the end…
Looking over the nominations, the 2025 Emmys have once again shown that reason does not necessarily guide the choices. Still, between justified nods and baffling omissions, there’s much to cheer—and plenty to debate—until September 14 when the Emmy’s take place.
Complete list of Emmy Nominations
Best Drama Series
Andor
The Diplomat
The Last of Us
Paradise
The Pitt
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus
Best Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
The Studio
What We Do in the Shadows
Best Limited or Anthology Series
Adolescence
Black Mirror
Dying for Sex
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
The Penguin
Best Television Movie
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
The Gorge
Mountainhead
Nonnas
Rebel Ridge
Best Reality Competition Program
The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
The Traitors
Best Talk Series
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Best Scripted Variety Series
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Saturday Night Live
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
Adam Scott, Severance
Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates, Matlock
Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters
Britt Lower, Severance
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Zach Cherry, Severance
Walton Goggins, The White Lotus
Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus
James Marsden, Paradise
Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Tramell Tillman, Severance
John Turturro, Severance
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, Severance
Carrie Coon, The White Lotus
Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Julianne Nicholson, Paradise
Parker Posey, The White Lotus
Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys
Scott Glenn, The White Lotus
Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt
Joe Pantoliano, The Last of Us
Forest Whitaker, Andor
Jeffrey Wright, The Last of Us
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Jane Alexander, Severance
Gwendoline Christie, Severance
Kaitlyn Dever, The Last of Us
Cherry Jones, The Handmaid’s Tale
Catherine O’Hara, The Last of Us
Merritt Wever, Severance
Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent
Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief
Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology
Series or Movie
Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer
Meghann Fahy, Sirens
Rashida Jones, Black Mirror
Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or
Anthology Series or Movie
Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Bill Camp, Presumed Innocent
Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Rob Delaney, Dying for Sex
Peter Sarsgaard, Presumed Innocent
Ashley Walters, Adolescence
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited
or Anthology Series or Movie
Erin Doherty, Adolescence
Ruth Negga, Presumed Innocent
Deirdre O’Connell, The Penguin
Chloë Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex
Christine Tremarco, Adolescence
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Uzo Aduba, The Residence
Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This
Seth Rogen, The Studio
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Series
Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Kathryn Hahn, The Studio
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Catherine O’Hara, The Studio
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
Jessica Williams, Shrinking
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Bernthal, The Bear
Bryan Cranston, The Studio
Dave Franco, The Studio
Ron Howard, The Studio
Anthony Mackie, The Studio
Martin Scorsese, The Studio
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Olivia Colman, The Bear
Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear
Cynthia Erivo, Poker Face
Robby Hoffman, Hacks
Zoë Kravitz, The Studio
Julianne Nicholson, Hacks
Best Writing for a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, Hacks
Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Locke-Norton, Eric Notarnicola, The Rehearsal
Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, Bridget Everett, Somebody Somewhere
Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck,
Alex Gregory, Frida Perez, The Studio
Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis, Paul Simms, What We Do in the Shadows
Best Writing for a Drama Series
Dan Gilroy, Andor
Joe Sachs, The Pitt
R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt
Dan Erickson, Severance
Will Smith, Slow Horses
Mike White, The White Lotus
Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology
Series or Movie
Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Charlie Brooker, Bisha K. Ali, Black Mirror
Kim Rosenstock, Elizabeth Meriwether, Dying for Sex
Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin
Joshua Zetumer, Say Nothing
Best Directing for a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Lucia Aniello, Hacks
James Burrows, Mid-Century Modern
Nathan Fielder, The Rehearsal
Seth Rogen, The Studio
Best Directing for a Drama Series
Janus Metz, Andor
Amanda Marsalis, The Pitt
John Wells, The Pitt
Jessica Lee Gagné, Severance
Ben Stiller, Severance
Adam Randall, Slow Horses
Mike White, The White Lotus
Best Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Philip Barantini, Adolescence
Shannon Murphy, Dying for Sex
Helen Shaver, The Penguin
Jennifer Getzinger, The Penguin
Nicole Kassell, Sirens
Lesli Linka Glatter, Zero Day