2026 Emmy Nominations: Surprises and Snubs

This morning, the nominations for the 2026 Emmy Awards were revealed, showcasing popular shows like The Bear, Contraction, and Murder Inside the Building. As expected by many in the industry, these titles dominated the categories. Yet, some nominations caught experts off guard, stirring quite a reaction among fans.

In a bit of a twist, Jeremy Allen White from The Bear did not receive a nod for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. This opens the door for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, possibly earning recognition for his remarkable performance in the Marvel series Wonder Man. Meanwhile, Richard Gadd secured a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal in HBO’s Half Man. However, his acclaimed follow-up, Baby Reindeer, was oddly left out of the Outstanding Limited Series category. It’s almost puzzling, as some considered Peacock’s It’s All Her Fault an exciting contender.

On a different note, Apple TV’s Widows Bay saw nominations for Matthew Rhys and Kate O’Flynn, while Dale Dickie, Stephen Root, Hamish Linklater, and Betty Gilpin showcased what some might call new comedy heavyweights. Interestingly, Connor Story didn’t land a nomination for Fierce Rivalry—probably due to it being a Canadian production. Still, he was recognized for his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, which is quite an achievement.

Despite its loyal following, HBO’s cult favorite, Industry, found itself overlooked once again, while The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms received a warm welcome. Also, a familiar Bravo star gained an Emmy nomination for hosting Love Island USA, marking a notable first for him.

The 2026 Emmy Awards will, of course, have its share of surprises and snubs, and the vast reactions—from Jeremy Allen White’s unexpected exclusion to Ariana Madix’s initial nomination—will surely keep conversations buzzing.

1. The Shocking Snub of Jeremy Allen White

   The Bear debuted on FX/Hulu and has consistently swept many comedy categories at the Emmys. This year, it clinched the Best Comedy Series award, alongside nominations for Ayo Edebiri, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner, and various others in technical fields. Yet, the main cast faced an unexpected shutout. It feels almost ironic considering White’s past wins for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy. Was the shift in tone for Season 4 off-putting for voters, or has the excitement faded for what was once a highly lauded series?

2. The Emmy Nomination for Connor Story

   One of the more interesting aspects of this Emmy cycle centers around HBO Max’s Fierce Rivalry, which was entirely ineligible due to being produced in Canada. Yet Connor Story earned recognition as an Emmy nominee, thanks to his impressive hosting on Saturday Night Live. His performances captivated audiences and certainly established him as a rising star. It’s almost as if this nomination is a nod from the Television Academy to acknowledge his incredible work, especially his wild portrayal of Ilya Lozonov.

3. Richard Gadd’s Nominations for ‘Half Man’

   Two years prior, Baby Reindeer catapulted Richard Gadd into the spotlight, dominating limited series categories. However, with his new series Half Man on HBO, hopes were high for another success. The show earned critical praise, causing many to expect nominations for both Gadd and co-star Jamie Bell. Yet, Bell was overlooked entirely, and the show failed to secure a spot in the Outstanding Limited Series category. Gadd’s solo nomination signifies some love from voters, but it feels a bit unusual that the series itself was largely neglected.

4. Industry Continues to Be Overlooked

   Industry remains a critically acclaimed show that the Emmy voters seem to overlook. Season 4 of the series is a notable improvement and, frankly, it’s one of my personal favorites this year. Many critics echo this sentiment, especially since it was nominated this year in the TCA Awards alongside Fierce Rivalry and Widows Bay. Still, this clever show hasn’t yet found traction with the Television Academy. Perhaps it lacks enough star power, or maybe something else is at play.

5. The Unexpected Nomination of ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’

   In a surprising twist, Your Friends and Neighbors received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series—something that really caught us off guard. Sure, it’s a star-studded Apple TV project, and it’s entertaining, but it doesn’t quite measure up to other nominees in my opinion.

6. Ariana Madix: Emmy Nominee

   Ariana Madix, known from Vanderpump Rules, seems to have stepped into her own post-Scandoval drama, emerging as an impressive television host. She skillfully used the buzz around the infamous scandal to land a gig on Love Island USA, a role that has boosted her visibility tremendously. This recognition feels well-deserved; she’s proved herself as a captivating host, skillfully balancing humor and heartfelt moments.

The Emmy Awards are set to take place on Monday, September 14th, with Mariska Hargitay hosting the event aired at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on NBC.