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There’s nothing like your first time.

With the Emmy eligibility window coming to an end, a fresh crop of actors, some established globally and others making their debut, stand ready to secure their initial nominations from the esteemed television awarding organization.

Tracking actors who are making their first Emmy nomination contention, from portraying captivating breakout turns in true-crime dramas such as “Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story” to impressively stealing the limelight with multiple standout supporting roles in hit series like “Andor” and “Severance.”

Or, more concisely:

We’re keeping an eye on actors poised for their debut Emmy nominations, from captivating breakouts in true-crime tales to scene-stealing supports in genre hits.

Here’s my take as a movie enthusiast:

I’ve compiled a list of 12 talented actors, all vying for the coveted invite to television’s grandest event. Each hails from a different series, and I’m only spotlighting one actor per show.

Voting for nominations will take place between June 12 and June 23, followed by the announcement of the official nominations on July 15.

Distinguished nods to: Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Spirits”), Wendi McLendon-Covey (“St. Denis Hospital”), Wagner Moura (“Drug Smuggler”), Chris Perfetti (“Abbott School”), Sarah Sherman (“Night Live Saturday”)

Or simply:

Recognized for their outstanding performances in: Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts”), Wendi McLendon-Covey (“St. Denis Medical”), Wagner Moura (“Dope Thief”), Chris Perfetti (“Abbott Elementary”), Sarah Sherman (“Saturday Night Live”)

EbMaster Awards Circuit: Emmy

Ike Barinholtz (‘The Studio’)

Barinholtz has gradually constructed a multifaceted comedy portfolio; this year, he’s taken a prestigious turn. In Apple TV+’s biting satire “The Studio,” he delivers unexpected wit and a depth that sets him apart. This shift marks the progression of an established industry figure, reminiscent of Tony Shalhoub’s transition from comedic to dramatic roles, as seen from “Monk” to “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” His transformation is also strikingly comparable to Tony Hale’s 2013 award win. Additionally, he receives an additional recognition for jointly creating Netflix’s “Running Point” with Kate Hudson.

Adam Brody (‘Nobody Wants This’)

Following his Critics Choice award victory for portraying Noah Roklov, a rabbit who forms an unanticipated bond with an agnostic podcaster (Kristen Bell), Adam Brody seems to be on track for his first significant TV acting nomination in the Netflix romantic comedy series. Many actors from the millennial generation have staged impressive resurgences in their Hollywood careers’ second acts, such as Kenan Thompson, who was double-nominated for “Kenan” and “Saturday Night Live” in 2021. As the show also competes for other major awards, Brody’s nomination appears increasingly likely, though only five slots are expected to be available.

John Cena (‘The Bear’)

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve always admired John Cena for his wrestling prowess, his role as a “Peacemaker,” and even his Emmy-nominated stint hosting “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Now, in Season 3 of “The Bear,” Cena takes an incredible turn, departing from the humor and action that he’s renowned for. Instead, we see him delve into his more tender side through his guest appearance on this highly acclaimed FX series.

Owen Cooper (‘Adolescence’)

In the British drama “Adolescence,” 15-year-old Cooper gives a remarkable performance that could break Emmy records. He portrays a troubled teen with incredible emotional depth, drawing comparisons to Paul Mescal’s subtle intensity in “Normal People.” Cooper is currently leading in the supporting actor (limited series) category and may become the youngest nominee ever in this category. His co-stars Ashley Walter and Christine Tremarco also deliver powerful performances, making them strong contenders for the supporting actress ballots as well.

Rhenzy Feliz (‘The Penguin’)

Shines brilliantly as a captivating character depicting a young criminal maneuvering within Gotham’s ever-changing power structures on HBO Max’s “The Penguin.” His acting, rich with subtlety, resonates with Emmy-nominated performances such as Michael Mando in “Better Call Saul” and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in “Watchmen.” If he secures a nomination, he will be the 8th Latino actor to be recognized in the supporting drama actor category, which has yet to produce a victor. Moreover, he would be the second Dominican actor nominated in any Emmy acting category, following Jharrel Jerome’s groundbreaking 2019 win for lead actor (limited) in “When They See Us.” This potential recognition could coincide with Zoe Saldaña becoming the first Dominican to win an Academy Award for her role in “Emilia Pérez” this same year.

Harrison Ford (‘Shrinking’)

In a surprising twist, an acting icon yet to receive an Emmy nomination persists. In his role as the grieving, rough-around-the-edges therapist Dr. Paul Rhoades, Ford masterfully combines dry wit with raw emotional depth. After a first season that went unnoticed and a strong performance in “1923” on Paramount, it appears that Ford is long overdue for an Emmy nod. This recognition could potentially follow the path of Alan Arkin’s nominations for “The Kominsky Method” or Henry Winkler’s overdue win in the first season of “Barry.” If Ford receives this well-deserved nomination, it might also bring recognition to his fellow actor and Critics Choice winner Michael Urie.

Cooper Koch (‘Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story’)

In a chilling portrayal, Josh Duhamel gives an award-worthy performance as Erik Menendez in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix production of the Menendez brothers’ story. His acting skillfully blends subtle emotional control with intricate psychological depth, reminiscent of Evan Peters’ Emmy-nominated role in “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” With renewed attention on the Menendez case, Duhamel’s interpretation could make him a strong contender for the Lead Actor (Limited Series) category. However, it may be challenging to see both Josh Duhamel and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who delivers an outstanding performance as the other brother, receive nominations due to limited slots available in the category.

Katherine LaNasa (‘The Pitt’)

In the gripping medical drama “The Pitt,” Lanasa takes center stage as the stern yet compassionate head nurse of a bustling Pittsburgh emergency room. Her on-screen presence is a blend of tough determination and genuine empathy, reminiscent of Emmy-winning actresses like Archie Panjabi from “The Good Wife” and Anna Gunn from “Breaking Bad.” If she were to receive this recognition, it would undoubtedly be a significant career achievement. Similarly, her fellow cast members – Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, and Shabana Azeez – have also submitted for consideration, each of them equally deserving of such a milestone.

Britt Lower (‘Severance’)

Although the show received 14 nominations in 2022, the captivating and multidimensional portrayal of Helly by Lower was unfortunately overlooked. In Season 2, her performance is even more finely tuned and emotionally impactful. Her storyline seems poised to finally receive the recognition it deserves, similar to Rhea Seehorn’s eventual supporting nomination for “Better Call Saul” following years of fan and critic advocacy. It appears that a lead drama actress award nomination is highly probable. Let’s also remember that Zach Cherry as Dylan and Tramell Tillman as Milchik are both aiming for supporting drama actor recognition, and it’s likely they’ll join the series on this journey.

Isabela Merced (‘The Last of Us’)

As a film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating Season 2 of that gripping apocalyptic drama. Merced, with her subtle yet powerful portrayal, joins the cast as a resilient new survivor. Remarkably, she could follow in Bella Ramsey’s footsteps, who was among the youngest ever nominated for lead drama actress in 2023. If recognized, Merced might become one of only four Latina actresses to be nominated in the supporting drama actress category, a group that includes Aubrey Plaza (“The White Lotus”), Morena Baccarin (“Homeland”), and Alexis Bledel (“The Handmaid’s Tale”). What’s more, at just 23 years old, Merced could find herself among an elite group, sharing the stage with acting greats such as Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”) in the top 10 ever nominated.

Sam Nivola (‘The White Lotus’)

Mike White’s award-winning show has played a significant role in launching the careers of many notable character actors and newcomers, including Emmy winners Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge, as well as nominees Will Sharpe and Natasha Rothwell. The latest addition to this talented ensemble is 21-year-old Sam Nivola, who brings a fresh energy and depth to the cast with his compelling portrayal of young Lochlan, a high school senior residing at a Thailand resort. If Sam Nivola manages to secure a nomination, he would become one of the youngest actors ever nominated in this category, outdoing Noah Wyle who was 24 when he was nominated for “ER” in 1995, and only surpassed by Johnny Crawford who was 13 when he was nominated for “The Rifleman” in 1959.

Hilary Swank (‘Yellowjackets’)

Acclaimed two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (“Boys Don’t Cry” and “Million Dollar Baby”) delves into the dark, psychological complexities of “Yellowjackets” through a guest role that is both hauntingly chilling and intellectually stimulating. In her debut on March 28 (the eighth episode of the third season), Swank stuns with an unexpected twist, unveiling the long-anticipated survival of Melissa. In this episode, Shauna (played by Melanie Lynskey) uncovers a shocking revelation: Melissa not only survives but lives under an assumed identity and with a family oblivious to her harrowing past. This guest appearance in the drama category would follow the familiar pattern of renowned film actors transitioning into high-end television, as seen with Marcia Gay Harden in “The Morning Show” or Patricia Arquette in “The Act.

2025-05-22 02:57