Emmys 2026: Reactions from the Nominees!

Check back throughout the day to read more reactions from this year’s Primetime Emmy nominees!

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“It’s a profound honor that FINDING YOUR ROOTS has been nominated for its third consecutive Emmy Award. It is a testament to the work of so many dedicated filmmakers, historians, genealogists, and geneticists behind the scenes.  It’s also a tribute to PBS as a national institution. I am so proud to continue to hammer out our two most important messages that our deeply divided country needs now more than ever:  first, that America is a nation of immigrants and that is what makes our country great. And second, that, despite the forces that try to divide us, at the level of the genome we are all 99% the same.”
–Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Hosted Nonfiction Program nominee for Finding Your Roots

“I can’t believe how lucky I am to receive this nomination and also be in the most special show with the most special people! I couldn’t do any of this without my team, my incredible partner and God! I’m in shock, but also really deserve this because I’m so pretty!”
–Meg Stalter, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nominee for Hacks

“Alien: Earth has been an extraordinary collaboration, and these nominations are a testament to the remarkable work of our cast, crew, and partners at FX. It’s been a privilege to explore this universe while crafting a story that feels both true to its legacy and original. It’s especially meaningful to see the extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship that brought this world to life recognized by the Television Academy. We’re grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing the story in Season 2.”
–Noah Hawley, Showrunner of 4-time nominee Alien: Earth

“We’re honored by this recognition and so proud of our cast and crew, whose hard work, talent, and dedication made these Emmy nominations possible. We are deeply grateful to the Television Academy, Warner Bros. Television, HBO Max and all the extraordinary medical professionals who make our show possible, and congratulate all of our fellow nominees.”
–A joint statement from John Wells, R. Scott Gemmill, and Noah Wyle on behalf of The Pitt

“Thank you so much to the Television Academy for recognizing the show. These nominations are the results of so many names not seen on the ballots — assistants, caterers, day players, and so many more. I am immensely proud of the work and vulnerability this cast and crew poured into the show, and it means the world to have it resonate with so many peers whose work I respect so much.”
–Lee Sung Jin, Creator/Writer/Director/Executive Producer/Showrunner of Beef, nominee for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Outstanding Directing for a Limited Anthology Series or Movie

“I am so powerfully grateful for these two pats on the back, for the many-splendored Margo’s Got Money Troubles, thanks to the writing prowess of David Kelley, Eva Anderson and their team, but especially to shine some light on Death By Lightning, a resplendent production all sprung from the pen of Mike Makowsky. It’s the writing first.”
–Nick Offerman, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nominee for Death by Lightning and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nominee for Margo’s Got Money Troubles

“What a lovely and unexpected honour. I’m very grateful to the Television Academy, and genuinely delighted to be included in this list of incredible actors. Working on The Diplomat has been one of the great pleasures of my career, and I’m well aware of how lucky I am to get the chance at this stage to do stuff like this and even get paid for it. I’m thankful to Netflix, our writers and directors, cast and crew, but above all to the brilliant and Debora Cahn who made this happen. Thanks.”
–Rufus Sewell, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominee for The Diplomat

“Martin Short is a generational talent that has been an unrelenting source of joy and laughter for audiences around the globe. We are so excited to help celebrate his remarkable and undeniable legacy. We’re especially thrilled to see his dear friend Lawrence Kasdan recognized for his direction, bringing Martin’s story to the screen with such warmth, heart, and admiration as well Sierra Neal and Bennett Piscitelli recognition for weaving together his story with their editing. Thank you to the Television Academy for recognizing ‘Marty, Life Is Short.’”
–Imagine Documentaries, Outstanding Documentary of Nonfiction Special nominee for Marty: Life Is Short

“We are beyond thrilled that the Television Academy has honored our film “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” with six Emmy nominations! Thank you so much to HBO, our incredible team and most of all to the great one himself, Mel Brooks.  We’ve already begun work on the sequel, to be completed in 2126.”
–Judd Apatow & Michael Bonfiglio, Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program nominee and Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special nominee for Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man

 

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–Richard Gadd, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nominee for Half Man

“In 1976 I was appearing on Broadway in the play ‘Comedians’ and I met Lee Strasberg. I asked if he had any advice for a young actor on how to keep recreating a role during a long run. He paused briefly before saying “You do it. It’s your job”

Well, I’ve been doing my job for well over 50 years in the company of some wonderful co-workers and it continues to be a joy. Slow Horses and David Cartwright have been a part of that joy and I thank my peers for this nomination.”
–Jonathan Pryce, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series nominee for Slow Horses

“We are deeply honored to be nominated for an Emmy for MR SCORSESE. We all learned so much in the five years it took to make this series and we are so grateful to Apple and all those involved, most especially Martin Scorsese himself.”
–Rebecca Miller, Damon Cardasis, and Cindy Tolan on behalf of Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special nominee, Mr. Scorsese

“Working on DTF St. Louis was a dream, and thanks to the recognition of the Television Academy it doesn’t seem like I’ll be waking up anytime soon. Congratulations to my brilliant co-stars and collaborators on an outstanding 13 nominations. It was an honor and a gift to work alongside you all and I can’t wait to celebrate you!”
–Joy Sunday, Outstanding Supporting Actress in Limited or Anthology Serie nominee for DTF St. Louis

“I would like to thank the Television Academy for their consideration of DTF ST. LOUIS and congratulate all nominees for this recognition of their hard work.”
–Steven Conrad, Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, and Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie nominee for DTF St. Louis

“Holy Smoke… is this real!!!?? I am so deeply touched and grateful to the Television Academy for this honor and to be recognized alongside these beautiful actresses. I am living beyond my wildest dreams right now. First to work with the brilliant Vince Gilligan and now this massive validation of my work by my peers. Thank you to Apple TV and Sony for making this wildly original and thought-provoking show and saying yes to me. A million thank yous to Vince for entrusting me with Zosia and Rhea Seehorn for being the most hardworking, generous, insanely talented partner ever. I am so blown away that the production has been recognized across 18 categories, it is a testament to the entire team and how hard they all work. Thank you to our magnificent cast, writers, directors, executives, and the best of the best crew in the business. Being on set with all of them is truly a gift. And to our amazing casting directors who I wouldn’t be here without. Congratulations to Vince, Rhea, Vesga, and the rest of the team for their well-deserved nominations!!!! What a glorious morning this has been.”
–Karolina Wydra, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominee for Pluribus

“It’s an incredible honor to see ‘Top Chef’ acknowledged by the Television Academy. This is a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our producers, crew, and creative team, and we’re grateful that the show continues to earn the respect of our peers year after year.”
–Tom Colicchio, Outstanding Reality Competition Program nominee for Top Chef

“After 25 years and 50 seasons, recognition like this means as much as ever. We’re thankful to the Television Academy for this honor and to our fans, whose enthusiasm has allowed us to keep going on this amazing adventure. We’re excited for what’s still ahead!”
–Jeff Probst, Outstanding Host nominee and Outstanding Reality Competition Show nominee for Survivor

“I could not be more pleased for our exceptional cast and crew. These nominations are a direct testament to the commitment that goes into “The Gilded Age”. To be recognized by our peers in this way is the ultimate honor.”
–Julian Fellowes, Outstanding Drama Series nominee for The Gilded Age

“We don’t take these moments for granted. There are so many worthy shows. I’m grateful to our entire crew and team, and especially gratified to see Elle, Michelle and Nick nominated. Their work was the tide that hoisted our ship.”
–David E. Kelley, Creator of Outstanding Comedy Series nominee, Margo’s Got Money Troubles

“Wow. In shock. I feel so deeply grateful to the Television Academy for this nomination, as well as their recognition of so many in our BEEF family. Lee Sung Jin created a space in BEEF for me as an actor to explore identity, ambition, and belonging. I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude and share this nomination with him, our brilliant writers, directors, cast, and crew, and our partners at A24 and Netflix. Filming in Korea felt like coming home to the films that first inspired me. I want to give a special shoutout to Baker, the teamster who drove me to and from work every day. I can’t believe I’m being recognized alongside artists whose work I’ve long admired. It’s a great day.”
–Charles Melton, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nominee for Beef

“We’re blown away. We have an incredible company of people making this show and we’re so proud their work’s been recognized. And what a thrill to see this epic foursome – Keri, Rufus, Allison, and Brad – all nominated for their crackling work.”
–Debora Cahn, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series nominee for The Diplomat

“Stranger Things is proof that music can save us in our darkest moments. I’m deeply honored that the Duffer Brothers entrusted me to help bring their incredible story to life through music, and truly grateful for this nomination.”
–Nora Felder, Outstanding Music Supervision nominee for Stranger Things

“They said vegetable gardening would not be televised, turning compost, seeds, patience, and humor into something genuinely funny, thanks to Zach Galifianakis for proving them wrong! And thanks to our friends at Netflix for sharing it with the world! We’re humbly honored to be nominated, the “Future is Agrarian””
–Frank Scherma, Jon Kamen and Chris Kim, Outstanding Short Form or Nonfiction Series nominees for This Is a Gardening Show

“Thank you to the Television Academy for this honor. Every conversation on this show starts with people willing to trust us, and every episode is carried by a crew and group of collaborators we’re lucky to work with. That an original, independent show built online through YouTube, without a traditional streamer, is being recognized alongside television’s best is a milestone for the entire creator community – one we hope opens the door even wider in the years to come. But the biggest thanks goes to our loyal audience – you’re the reason we get to do this. See you at the Emmys.”
–Kareem Rahma and Andrew Kuo, Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama, or Variety Series nominees for SubwayTakes

“What can I say? Being recognized by my peers in this way is the cherry on top of the most creatively fulfilling experience of my life. I’m unbelievably honored to be nominated alongside such talented women who I so deeply admire. And of course, I’m especially grateful to Paul W Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello for changing my life 6 years ago. Hacks forever!!!”
–Hannah Einbinder, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nominee for Hacks

“I am overwhelmed and filled with gratitude having received nominations for directing both TASK and THE GILDED AGE, as well as a nomination for THE GILDED AGE for Drama Series. To get to work with Casey Bloys, Francesca Orsi, the HBO family and the likes of Brad Ingelsby, Julian Fellowes, Carrie Coon, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and the entire casts and crews of both shows has been an extraordinary journey.”
—Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for both The Gilded Age and Task