Emmy nominees are, generally, very happy on Emmy nomination morning. With so many categories so competitive this year, it’s no surprise many were genuinely surprised by their Emmy gifts. Here’s a rundown of the reactions from some of the bigger names this morning.
“I am deeply honored to be nominated alongside such brilliant and inspired work. It is the role of a lifetime and an immeasurable gift to be part of making this show. I am so proud of my fellow ensemble members and the whole Succession family. A wholehearted congratulations to all of my fellow nominees. And as we are in the midst of filming Season 4 right now, I’ll just say this: Dad – It’s On.”
Jeremy Strong, “Succession,” Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“Thank you to the TV Academy for supporting DOPESICK with an amazing 14 nominations and acknowledging so many involved in the making of the show who were so deservingly recognized today for their good work — Danny Strong, Warren Littlefield, Barry Levinson, John Goldwyn, Karen Rosenfelt, Beth Macy, Checco Varese, C. Chi-yoon Chung, Douglas Crise, Nick Offord, Ryan Collins, Jay Meagher, and my fellow actors Kaitlyn Dever, Mare Winningham, Will Poulter, Peter Saarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg and Hulu, who has been incredibly supportive of our show. As an Executive Producer and actor, it’s a privilege to work in this community and I am so grateful that we were able to shine a light on the innocent individuals and families affected by opioid addiction. I am incredibly proud of our work here and appreciative of the warm reception the show has received, not just from peers but real folks, too.”
Michael Keaton, “Dopesick,” Lead Actors in a Limited Series
“This year’s Emmy nominations are a testament to the strength of our show, particularly from the acting point of view. Being a part of this show is so exciting because I have the chance to work with such talented and deserving actors. No matter how big or small the role is, the actors step up to the plate because the roles and writing are so incredible and demand so much of us. We are enormously lucky and grateful to be able to perform such first-class work. The scripts are so good that you get the best actors doing their best work, and it couldn’t be better.”
Brian Cox, “Succession,” Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“It’s truly an honor to be acknowledged amongst this year’s incredible nominees. As we go into the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I feel extraordinarily grateful to have worked alongside some of the best actors and people in the industry. Amy and Dan have created a series that will resonate with fans for years to come, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Tony Shalhoub, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
“It is such an honor to have my work nominated alongside these incredible actors that I’m so inspired by. I’m so grateful to be a part of bringing Under the Banner of Heaven to the screen and to have been able to collaborate with this amazing crew, our producers, FX and most especially our insanely talented ensemble cast and our courageous, loving, heartful leader Dustin Lance Black. I share this honor with them. Dustin crafted a story so personal and vital for this moment in American history – a reminder of the danger of fundamentalism, extremism and of the fragility of precious individual freedoms in the face of tyranny. May this cautionary tale remind us of our responsibilities to each other: to live and let live with love and respect.”
Andrew Garfield, “Under the Banner of Heaven,” Lead Actor in a Limited Series
“Delighted at the news! Thanks as always to Jesse and his team of extraordinary writers. But I really owe it all to Honeybadger and Sporus. They’ll know who they are.”
Matthew MacFadyen, “Succession,” Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
“Marty and I, and the whole team at ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ are thrilled with our nominations. We’re also loving that our crucial partner Selena Gomez is recognized as a producer in the Best Comedy Series category.”
Steve Martin and Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building,” Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
“To say that we are thrilled, humbled, and a little starstruck to be recognized by the Television Academy amongst these outstanding series and artists is an understatement. Our hearts are beating a little fast right now — but more than anything, we’re grateful to the incredible collaborators with whom we share these nominations. This is a team sport (see what we did there?), and we truly wouldn’t be here without our fiercely supportive partners at Showtime and eOne, our beloved fellow EPs Drew Comins and Karyn Kusama, our brilliant and courageous cast, our amazing crew — who braved the Canadian wilderness with passion, commitment, and inspiring artistry — and of course, our dedicated Citizen Detectives. Thank you for recognizing our weird cannibal show. You’ve absolutely made our year.”
Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco, “Yellowjackets,” Outstanding Drama Series
“Thanks to the Television Academy for the raddest birthday present! My friends and family better up their game…This season was a labor of love made while the world was on fire and we got to make each other laugh. This is the cherry on our sundae and wind in our sails as we finish our final season. Shoutout to our marvelous crew and fellow nominees!”
Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Lead Actress Comedy Series
I can’t put into words what “The Great” means to me. To be recognized for playing Catherine, a character who has shaped me personally in so many ways, is a moment I will never forget. And Jean, Quinta, Rachel, Kaley, and Issa, sharing this nomination with you makes it all the more meaningful. We are on set filming season 3 right now and my partner in comedy, Nicholas Hoult broke the news to me with the crew and my fellow cast mates by my side. Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! Getting to celebrate alongside him, Fran di Mottola, the magician production designer who builds our transportive sets, and Sharon Long, our costume designer who adorns us in her glorious creations is truly special. But it all would be meaningless without Tony McNamara’s vision. His words and imagination are what bring us to work every day and push us to “greater” heights. HUZZAH ! Thank you to the Television Academy for this unbelievable honor!”
Elle Fanning, “The Great,” Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
“I am so stoked the Academy remembered us! Our cast and crew are so happy which makes me happy! Can’t wait to celebrate with them!”
Mike White, “The White Lotus,” Outstanding Limited Series
“How exciting to get this kind of news when we’ve just started shooting again on Season 4! I’m so very, very proud of everyone who works on the show; magicians weaving angry, hurt, hilarious magic.”
Sarah Snook, “Succession,” Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“I am happy and grateful to the Television Academy for recognizing Severance in so many categories. Thank you to Apple TV+ for believing in our show. The whole experience of making SEVERANCE has been a total joy, and I am thrilled to see my fellow nominees honored by our peers.”
Patricia Arquette, “Severance,” Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“I’m so proud that the work of our whole team both in front of and behind the camera is recognized so warmly today by the Academy’s nominations. Today’s all-night shooting schedule will feel a little less arduous with this lovely news.”
Mark Mylod, “Succession,” Outstanding Drama Series
“It is such an honor to be nominated for my first Emmy! I just cried so much in front of a bunch of people! Thank you so much to the Television Academy for honoring not only myself, but my fellow cast mates and Mike White. I am so proud of this show and will be forever grateful to have had this opportunity and to work alongside such incredible people and to have been stranded at this resort together.”
Alexandra Daddario, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actress Limited Series
“Everyone in this amazing Building of ours poured their hearts into making something that might connect and lift the spirits — even though there might be a murder or two in there. Now, to feel the love back from the Academy and to celebrate so many in our crazily talented team this morning is beyond an honor and it means the world to all of us, I know.”
John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building,” Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
“It’s so thrilling. An incredible surprise. The other girls in The White Lotus are nominated, too and I love those girls, they’re the greatest group and so talented. It feels like Christmas today!”
Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actress Limited Series
“I cried today. Because I know so many people wanted this nomination for me. I am not a jaded person but I do know not to “want” for awards. It can leave you heartbroken. But I wanted this nomination. I wanted this for Euphoria, a show that is trying to save lives. I wanted this for every person on that set who pours so much love and creativity into what we are making. I wanted this for Sam who writes so brilliantly for me and directs me with such care and brotherhood. I wanted this acknowledgment for the Ali’s in the world. The ordinary brothers who are trying to overcome many hurdles and do some good in the world. I wanted this for everyone who has reached out to me and said, thank you for your portrayal of Ali. He saved my life. I am proud to be an actor and I am so very proud to be in such exquisite company.”
Colman Domingo, “Euphoria,” Guest Actor Drama Series
“You never know if people are going to watch what you make so the entire experience of making a movie or show exists in its own creative and crazy bubble. The Dropout was the most intense and surprisingly fun time and for it to be appreciated in this way sweetens the whole experience for me. I love celebrating this show and the brilliant people involved. I’m super happy right now.”
Amanda Seyfried, “The Dropout,” Lead Actress Limited Series
“To be on such a special show like Barry is already the greatest gift, but this takes it to the next level. It’s an honor to be nominated alongside so many incredible actors. Feeling a lot of gratitude right now…”
Anthony Carrigan, “Barry,” Supporting Actor Comedy Series
“First, I would like to share my sincere gratitude. It is a tremendous honor to be nominated together with these brilliant actors. I would like to share this honor with the Squid Game fans around the world, who showed us endless love and support, and the Squid Game team, who worked very hard to make everything possible.”
Lee Jung-Jae, “Squid Game,” Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“Thank you so much to the Television Academy for this nomination. It’s such an honor to be in this amazing group of people! I’m also so excited for Director Hwang and my co-stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Oh Young-soo and Lee You-mi. It’s incredible to be a part of a show that so many people love. I’m truly grateful for their support and guidance and especially to the viewers for showing us so much love. Thank you!”
Jung Ho-yeon, “Squid Game,” Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“Well there’s certainly an ocean of happy tears in the AFC Richmond camp tonight! I’m particularly so chuffed and proud of our newest Greyhound Emmy nominees…just as it should be. I’m genuinely speechless about the love flowing our way…that’s all I can muster right now! Thank you so much to the Television Academy for making all our dreams come true! #youbelievedinbelieve”
Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso,” Supporting Actress Comedy Series
“When I think about the work the incredible women in this category have done, I’m so deeply humbled to be among them. It really is an honor just to be nominated!”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks,” Supporting Actress Comedy Series
“I am floored and honored this morning by the six Emmy nominations for The Dropout. I am not good at making statements– and I can’t lower my voice, because this is written. I’ll just say thank you– to the writers, directors, crew, executives– thank you to all the people who put their heart and soul into telling this story about the importance of science, about the importance of truth, about the importance of journalism and bureaucracy in the middle of a pandemic. And thank you so much to the people who watched and championed this show. There was so much incredible television made this year under very difficult circumstances, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this creative moment. Thank you to every crew member, actor, director, writer who put on a mask and went to work this year. And thank you for listening and watching.”
Liz Meriwether, “The Dropout,” Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series
“Thank you to the Television Academy for this amazing honor, and for supporting so many of the show’s behind-the-scenes artists. They are real-life wizards, and their passion is visible (or audible!) in every frame. Making this season was a challenging, epic ride for everyone on team Stranger, and to receive this kind of recognition at the end of the journey is truly special.”
Matt and Ross Duffer, “Stranger Things,” Outstanding Drama Series
“I am so overwhelmed right now, the dedication from this cast and crew have made so many things possible. I want to thank Showtime for believing in the visions of Ashley, Bart and Jonathan and for their unwavering support of Yellowjackets. I’m so happy for the recognition that the series, it’s creatives, and my fellow co-stars received this morning!”
Christina Ricci, Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, “Yellowjackets”
“Thank you to the Television Academy for honoring Dopesick with so many nominations. I’m so proud of the incredible group of artists who put their hearts and souls into telling this important story.”
Danny Strong, “Dopesick,” Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series
“As the basic human rights of LGBTQ+ people are being threatened once again, I want to thank our peers in the Television Academy for acknowledging the achievements of the beautiful and talented souls that work in front of and behind the cameras at RuPaul’s Drag Race. Through the miracle of drag, our spectacular Season 14 queens have touched hearts and opened minds around the planet. We will never take for granted the platform we’ve been given to tell authentic queer stories, and pledge to do everything in our power to continue to spread light, love, and laughter. To our partners at World of Wonder, Paramount and VH1, thank you for having our backs every high-heeled step of the way.”
RuPaul Charles, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Outstanding Competition Program, Outstanding Reality Host
“Holy fxxxing xxxx, this is fxxxing insane! For this to happen once is magic, but twice is a miracle. I’m so honoured to be included on this list of legends including two of my special Greyhounds! This is truly incredible. There has been so much love for this show and I feel unbelievably lucky to be a part of such a beautiful and talented team. What a ride. I don’t know what to say. I’m really trying to learn to swear less. Golly gee. Is that better? Ah, who the fxxx am I kidding, thank you to the Academy. This is fxxxing amazing.”
Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso,” Supporting Actor Comedy Series
“Thank you so much for this huge honor! I am so lucky I got to help tell Stephanie Land’s story. For those of you who watched MAID, it means the world to me that you let me into your home and endured the ride. I tried to give you my heart, and by watching, you gave me yours! This labor of love was brought to you by a whole lot of hard working friends and even family (thank you mom) So, the biggest thanks to the many hands that made MAID.”
Margaret Qualley, “Maid,” Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“It’s never been more paramount to tell and celebrate diverse stories that remind us how connected we all are. We’re humbled and honored to receive these six nominations today for the series, including one for our amazing hosts the Fab Five. We have incredible partners in Netflix and ITV who are committed to shining a spotlight on this groundbreaking series, allowing it to connect deeply amongst fans while continuing to elevate awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
David Collins, “Queer Eye,” Outstanding Structured Reality Program
“I couldn’t be happier or more thrilled by this nomination. My great thanks to everyone involved especially the director Cherien Dabis and the writers of The Boy From 6B, Stephen Markley and Ben Phillipe, our great crew, the brilliant John Hoffman, and most importantly, Steve, Marty, and Selena who make for the happiest set in town. I was sad not to see James Caverly’s name among the nominees since he gave such a beautiful performance but I will think of this as a nomination for both of us since we worked so closely together. Thank you again and my thanks to the whole Murders family.”
Nathan Lane, “Only Murders in the Building,” Guest Actor Comedy Series
“I feel so incredibly honoured and overwhelmed. Every single person who worked on this series poured their heart and soul into it, and I am so grateful to the Television Academy for this recognition. Sebastian, Seth, DV, Rob, Craig, and the entire cast and crew, I am so thrilled for your most deserved honours. Sharing this success makes this moment of celebration so unbelievably special.”
Lily James, “Pam & Tommy,” Lead Actress Limited Series
“This is truly the most fantastic surprise, and I am shocked! I feel so lucky to have been a part of The White Lotus, and I am thrilled for my castmates who also got recognized. Playing Shane Patton this season was extremely special, and I am truly honored. Thank you to Mike White, HBO and thank you to the Academy.”
Jake Lacy, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actor Limited Series
“Thank you to the Academy. I had an absolute blast directing on my favorite show and am so honored to be nominated with this talented group. It’s a privilege to have worked with Jesse Armstrong, Mark Mylod and the incredible cast and crew of Succession. It was the highlight of my pandemic.”
Cathy Yan, “Succession,” Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
“Thank you to the Television Academy for this recognition, I’m beyond thrilled!! Stepping into the vision of the extraordinarily brilliant Mike White was an absolute blast and I’m so happy to see Mike, my wonderful castmates, and so many of our talented White Lotus team being recognized for their fantastic work. Special love and thanks to HBO for their amazing support. This is an exciting day!”
Murray Bartlett, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actor Limited Series
“What awesome news to wake up to this morning — I am deeply honored and grateful to the Television Academy for this recognition. I am also extremely proud of the hard work that goes into “What We Do in the Shadows” and share these nominations with our incredible cast, crew, FX, and everyone involved with bringing this freaky show to life. ‘Bat!'”
Stefani Robinson, Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
“This is truly the most fantastic surprise, and I am shocked! I feel so lucky to have been a part of The White Lotus, and I am thrilled for my castmates who also got recognized. Playing Shane Patton this season was extremely special, and I am truly honored. Thank you to Mike White, HBO and thank you to the Academy.”
Jake Lacy, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actor Limited Series
“I am so deeply honored and completely overwhelmed with an abundance of gratitude that comes with this recognition. Thank you to the Television Academy for the delicious honor of being nominated in the Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category, alongside the most talented and hilarious actors of today. Thank you Emmy voters for this great compliment, and thank you to Quinta Brunson for the opportunity of a lifetime. It has been a joy and a blessing to portray Mrs. Barbara Howard on-screen and honor the thousands of educators she represents across the country in doing so. Thank you again!”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary,” Supporting Actress Comedy Series
“What an honor to be nominated by the Television Academy. Creating this show has been the greatest gift and to have it recognized in this way is the dream. It’s a joy we get to share with the amazing people who watched our first season. None of this would be possible without my incredible, supportive EP’s Justin Halpern, Randall Einhorn & Patrick Schumacker, our incredible writers room, our insanely talented cast, and the hard-working teams at ABC and WBTV for helping to bring Abbott Elementary to life. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank teachers. Thanks for being our inspiration.”
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary,” Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Writing for a Comedy Series
“I am thrilled beyond words for this nomination. Yes, I’ve been nominated in this category before, but this is particularly special because of the intense experience of this final season of Saul shooting, the amazing writing as Jimmy/Saul becomes yet ANOTHER iteration of himself, the wonderful work by my castmates, our amazing guest cast, and just the density of feelings in front of camera and behind in a momentous year. I am especially thrilled for my scene partner and friend Rhea Seehorn whose outstanding, wonderful, multi-facted performance is rightly being celebrated. This show is one-of-a-kind and I’ll treasure each of these high points, there have been so many, and I’m thankful for everything.”
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul,” Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“We took some big swings in Season 4. Inspired as always by the voice and vision of our Brothers Duffer, the ST cast and crew aimed to pull off storytelling that was more ambitious than we’ve ever tried before. Along the way, we were confident that if we could pull this story off, audiences would be rewarded with our most emotional and satisfying season yet. To have this season embraced by hundreds of millions of viewers around the world has been incredible, and to have it now acknowledged with these nominations from the Television Academy is so gratifying and thrilling. Chrissy: this one’s for you!”
Shawn Levy, “Stranger Things,” Outstanding Comedy Series
“I am so fxxxing thrilled to have been a part of the incredible group of people who put together the amazing White Lotus! And, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: Mike White, Mike White, Mike White. To be able to do a show that gets under the skin of the culture in such a creative and insightful way is an honor and a dream.”
Connie Britton, “The White Lotus,” Supporting Actress Limited Series