The 2026 Emmy nominations sparked emotional reactions among nominees on July 8, 2026. Shailene Woodley, receiving a nod for her role in Paradise, was unexpectedly surprised while getting a lash lift. Sepideh Moafi expressed her tears of joy as the first Middle Eastern nominee for supporting drama actress, while Jonathan Pryce humorously noted his hopes of joining Love Island.
Emotional Responses from Emmy Nominees
As the nominations were announced at 8:30 a.m. PST, many nominees were caught off guard. For instance, Jonathan Pryce, nominated for his guest role in Slow Horses, shared, “I was woken up from an after-lunch doze.” He humorously added, “I hope to star in reality dating franchise Love Island.”
Michael Urie, another nominee from Shrinking, revealed he was also asleep when he learned of his nomination from co-star Jessica Williams, who FaceTimed him with the news for the second consecutive year.
Significance of Nominations for Diverse Actors
In a touching moment, Sepideh Moafi celebrated her nomination, marking a significant milestone for Middle Eastern representation in the industry. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m incredibly honored to be recognized in this way.” Meanwhile, Katherine LaNasa, nominated for her role in The Pitt, reflected on her 40 years in the industry, saying she felt grateful for the recognition.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Hacks’ Nominees
The creative team behind Hacks, which received multiple nominations, expressed their gratitude. Paul W. Downs stated, “Overwhelmed and lucky,” while Lucia Aniello added, “It’s a true acknowledgment of the community that made the show.”
They highlighted their excitement over the show’s record-breaking nominations and the recognition of their talented team. Jen Statsky shared, “It’s such a gift to get to write and direct for these incredible actors.”
- Shailene Woodley: Nominee for guest role in Paradise
- Sepideh Moafi: First Middle Eastern nominee for supporting drama actress
- Jonathan Pryce: Nominated for Slow Horses
- Michael Urie: Nominated for Shrinking
- Hacks: Most-nominated comedy series this year
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