Emmys 2021: Kathryn Hahn, Chris Sullivan & More Stars React to Their Nominations
The 2021 Emmy nominations were announced on Tuesday, and we’re hearing from those whose work was recognized.
HBO (including HBO Max) had the most with 130, while Netflix was a close second with 129. As for the shows with the most nominations, The Crown and The Mandalorian have 24, WandaVision received 23, and The Handmaid’s Tale and Saturday Night Live got 21.
The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards are set to air Sunday, September 19 at 8/7c on CBS, with Cedric the Entertainer as host. After a mostly remote ceremony last year, there will be a limited in-person audience (of nominees and their guests).
Check out some of the reactions below, and stay tuned as we continue to add more as we hear from the nominees:
O-T Fagbenle, The Handmaid’s Tale, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (to TV Insider)
“I was with my nephews, and there was a lot of noise. My agent called me and was like, ‘You’ve been nominated,’ and I was like, ‘I can’t really hear you. It sounds like you said I’ve been nominated, but I’m going to have to speak to you later.’ It was confusion because I really wasn’t expecting it, and that subsided and was replaced with a sort of joyous bewilderment. … Honestly, I’m still kind of processing my own happiness and excitement, but I do have an unabashed happiness for the show and my fellow cast members who I genuinely adore. Particularly for Max [Minghella] and Madeline [Brewer] who are fellow first-time nominees, my mind keeps on going to them and thinking how they’re doing.”
Chris Sullivan, This Is Us, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (to TV Insider)
“I was measuring my guest room for some bookshelves and my manager sent me a text. I knew that the nominations were coming out today, but I was having a hard time finding the posts online and so I just was like, ‘I’ll just wait and we’ll see what happens. Someone will tell me if it works out.’ [Laughs] And sure enough, in came the text messages. … I’m feeling really good. Obviously feeling very happy to be included especially in that list of actors. [It’s] literally a list of my favorite actors, so I’m honored to be a part of it. I think more than that, I’m just really excited that This Is Us is included in the drama category again.”
Brendan Hunt, Ted Lasso, Four Nominations (2o Overall for the Show) Including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Writing for a Comedy Series, and Comedy Series (to TV Insider)
“Though my intention was to sleep through the nominations, my five-and-a-half-month-old son has different ideas about my schedule every morning, so I was awake anyway, so I sat on my couch with my Cheerios and it was getting to the end of the thing, then the show got nominated, yay, and Jason got nominated, yay, and then ‘that’s all the nominations.’ Wait, what? That’s when my manager texted [and told me] it posted online. I found out through the glory of old-fashioned FaceTime. …
[I’m feeling] warm and fuzzy, I guess. [Laughs] Even hearing that this was possible, it’s just all very surprising in the totality of it because when we were putting this show together years ago, this was never discussed or talked about or considered. It was never the focus, so it’s pretty cool when the energy we’re putting out there comes back at us. And as for the individual nod, it’s like, I’m not even the best supporting actor in my own show, but OK, I’ll take it. Thank you. … So much of our crew got recognized, which makes me so happy, and our directors. I’d single out Paul Cripps, our production designer actually, because he not only built this physical world of the show but because you’re making a football club, every football club has history, you need to feel that history and he was integral in bringing that to life. I’m really glad that people noticed.”
Emma Corrin, The Crown, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
“‘It Is Absolutely Essential That I See The Queen!’ Huge congratulations to my wonderful co-star and mentor Olivia Colman. It’s an unbelievable honour to be nominated in this category alongside you and such other wonderfully talented actors. This nomination only exists because of Josh and all my family on The Crown. Every part of my involvement in telling this story has felt like a dream I don’t want to wake up from – I’m so happy and so honoured by the recognition. Thank you!”
Jurnee Smollett in Lovecraft Country (Eli Joshua Ade/HBO)
Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
“I am in complete shock but feel incredibly humbled and am so grateful for this nomination! I’m tremendously thankful that the show and my amazing cast members were recognized for our work and Misha Green’s fearless storytelling. I feel like I’m living my ancestors wildest dreams. It’s such an honor.”
Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“Oh my. Gratitude and surprise are running laps in my heart. A full-throated thank you to the nominating body. Thank you for seeing the light in the dark, and the smile in the tears of this character, Atticus Freeman, he is one of my best friends, and I’m glad you all got to meet him as well. Playing this role has changed my life, and this nomination is yet another growing and changing moment. I’d like to offer a deep congratulations to my fellow nominees, I am honored to be listed amongst these incredible artists, all who in such a time offered humanity and respite to a historically chaotic year. Finally, to my Lovecraft Country family, congratulations to each and every one of you, I thank you for your spirits, hearts, fight, and support. Our journey continues….”
Josh O’Connor, The Crown, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“This is amazing! Thank you to the Academy for this tremendous send-off. It has been such an honor to be a part of this beautiful family for the past three years, and to share this recognition today with Emma, Olivia, Gillian, Helena, Emerald, Tobias, Peter Morgan, and the entire cast and crew of The Crown just means the world.”
Billy Porter, Pose, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“I am honored and humbled to have my work once again be recognized by the academy. I stand at the intersection of art and activism, and I am forever grateful for the healing journey that POSE has been for myself, my colleagues and the world!”
Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
“I’m honored to be nominated for a show of this caliber. My great thanks to the Academy for such a nomination and enormous thanks to all who worked on Perry Mason for getting me here.”
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“Thank you dear Emmys voters for this compliment! I had the time of my life playing Princess Margaret and now you reward the fun with this! The words “Pig in S**t” come to mind. I share it with the many skilled and brilliant people who helped me put her together -the crew, Jess Hobbs, Peter Morgan and the wig and Netflix.”
Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“It was such a privilege to come to know Aunt Lydia this season as she continues to evolve. I’m deeply honored and grateful to be nominated in the company of my beautiful colleagues. Thank you.”
Tobias Menzies, The Crown, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Thanks to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the Emmy nomination, and congratulations to all my fellow nominees, nice one!”
Sophie Okonedo, Ratched, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
“I’m absolutely blown away to receive an Emmy nomination. I enjoyed every minute of filming Ratched and I got to work with some of the most generous and exciting actors around. Enormous thanks and gratitude to everyone who made this nomination possible.”
Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
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“I could never have dreamed of a moment like this…so surreal! I am so proud of the entire TFA cast and crew for each and every one of these Emmy nods. It is a massive team effort bringing a show like this to life and I’m so grateful to each person involved. Thank you to the Television Academy for this recognition. My heart is exploding!”
Jean Smart, Hacks, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series; Mare of Easttown, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I am absolutely thrilled and so over the moon proud of both shows. They were incredible collaborations. Both characters are survivors in their way, but one has given in to the realities of life and the other is still fighting for everything life still (she feels) owes her.”
Anthony Anderson, black-ish, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
“Thank you to the Academy. I am truly humbled by this nomination and I am so thrilled for the recognition for our show and the extremely talented Tracee Ellis Ross and for an incredible six nominations! We continue to be immensely proud of the work we do and recognize how lucky we are to be able to bring laughter to our viewers. What a way to start our final season!”
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
“We got some good news today for The Kominsky Method – 6 nominations. What a joy to finish off three seasons with these well-deserved nominations. A wonderful job by everyone. Thank you all for a great experience.”
Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
“I can’t quite believe this is happening. I don’t know what feels greater, to be recognized for my own work or all the joy I feel for my magnificent TED LASSO family to be nominated themselves. We are a real family and to share this with them is everything. Thank you to the Television Academy. Rebecca runs through my blood stream. She is so precious to me, and this is just the icing on the cake.”
Juno Temple, Ted Lasso, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
“Oh my goodness I am absolutely speechless! Thank you so much for this overwhelming recognition of our show that has meant so much to me. Ted Lasso truly is a family and I could not be more grateful to be a part of it.”
Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Hacks, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
“I am so very grateful for this recognition! This was not expected, and was a great way to start a Tuesday! I am especially grateful to Jen, Lucia, and Paul for creating such a beautiful and brilliant story. And am so excited for Jean, Hannah, and every other nominee with ‘Hacks!’”
Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
“Holy f***ing s***. What an incredible honor. Proper dream come true s***. Every part of this show has felt like magic to me. To have the privilege to work on it, to get to make something with this incredible team and now for us to be nominated as a team is just too lovely. Extra special thanks to Jason and Bill for inviting me to be part of this. What a thing… As a cynical English guy I’m struggling to deal with all this wonderfulness. I’m not crying, you’re crying. F*** off! You’re crying. You ****.”
Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
“Honoured, baffled and utterly thrilled to be nominated alongside these absolute giants and to represent Ted Lasso and everything it/he stands for.”
Jeremy Swift, Ted Lasso, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
“I am very surprised to be nominated along with many of my hugely talented colleagues. Thank you Emmy voters for your support for the show. The cast, crew and creatives appreciate it very much. I hope we can continue to entertain you with forthcoming seasons. Now I am going to bed with a hot beverage.”
Paul Bettany, WandaVision, Outstanding Lead Actor in Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“What fantastic news to wake up to this morning! I’m deeply honoured to have been nominated for what was a dream role for me, and I’m thrilled for all of my WANDAVISION family for the love they received from the academy. And then to see UNCLE FRANK get recognised as well makes this the happiest of mornings.”
Hugh Grant, The Undoing, Outstanding Lead Actor in Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I’m extremely grateful and honoured, but I should point out that I was basically carried all the way by my fellow actors – especially Nicole.”
Leslie Odom, Jr., Hamilton, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I’m very thankful to the Television Academy for this acknowledgment! Reverberations from Lin-Manuel’s masterpiece continue to surprise and delight those of us that were lucky enough to be in the original company. So grateful for the support the film has received from audiences and the team at Disney+. What a morning!”
Renée Elise Goldsberry in Hamilton (Courtesy of Disney+)
Renée Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I can’t stop saying WOW. I’m so excited to be nominated for an EMMY with all of these amazing actresses. And to be recognized in this category with my sister, Phillipa Soo, has me crying tears of joy! For me, Hamilton is truly a gift that keeps on giving! Thank you, Television Academy, for providing this opportunity to celebrate our work together again. I am so grateful for this tremendous honor!”
Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I am thrilled to be recognized alongside so many other incredible nominees, including my castmates Paul and Elizabeth. While playing this role I learned how freeing it is to stand in your own power, and gained so much confidence in myself as a performer. I could not be more proud to be a part of this show and its bold storytelling. Thank you to Matt, Kevin, Jac, Mary, Lou, Victoria, and all the crew who made this show possible and made it such a sacred experience – it took a village.”
Julianne Nicholson, Mare of Easttown, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I am so proud to be a part of my beloved Mare of Easttown group! It was a wonderful experience led by my friend Kate, who was the most inspiring team leader we could have. Thanks also to Brad for his amazing words and for Craig in giving us a safe place to create. I, and we, are so lucky to have the support of HBO. What a great morning!!”
Daveed Diggs, Hamilton, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“Wow. Trip. Big love to all the Ham fam, specifically nominated and otherwise. How crazy is it that we got to make a thing that continues to resonate with people so much? Does this mean we get to hang out again soon?”
Evan Peters, Mare of Easttown, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“I am beyond honored to be recognized by the Academy for my work in Mare of Easttown. Working alongside Kate Winslet everyday was a dream job and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the outpour of love for Zabel. I am grateful to Craig, Brad and HBO for the opportunity, and thrilled to share this recognition with them, Kate, Jean, Julianne and the entire cast and crew. I also want to congratulate my WandaVision team on their many nominations!”
Chris Van Dusen (Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner), Bridgerton, Outstanding Drama Series
“In creating and running Bridgerton, I always hoped audiences would be able to find the joy it was meant to provide. I’m beyond humbled by this recognition from the Television Academy. Not even Lady Whistledown herself would have the words to describe how proud I am of this astonishingly brilliant cast and crew, as well as how fortunate I feel to have worked alongside Shondaland and Netflix in bringing the show to life.”
Peter Morgan (Creator/Writer), The Crown, Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
“Thank you to the Television Academy. We are all pinching ourselves that after four series, The Crown is still being embraced and enjoyed in this way. Behind the scenes, this show has an immense, dedicated and incredibly hardworking crew of world-class talent. So, these nominations are gratefully received in recognition of all their outstanding work which continues to inspire me every day.”
Bruce Miller (Creator/Executive Producer), The Handmaid’s Tale, 21 Nominations Including Outstanding Drama Series
“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by the Television Academy, especially in such a challenging year, and are so very proud of the amazing work of our cast and crew, and what they were able to accomplish the midst of a pandemic. We could not be more grateful.”
Steven Canals (Executive Producer), Pose, Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
“For 6 months, in the midst of a global pandemic, Black and Latin and Trans and Queer artists created together. Alongside a luminescent cast, and tireless crew, I, with my magnificent collaborators, told an aspirational story of family, resilience, possibility, and, most importantly, love. I’m thrilled for Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez, who made history this morning as the first Trans actress nominated in the Drama Actress category. And I’m grateful to the TV Academy for recognizing my contribution to the TV landscape with these three incredible nominations for writing, directing, and producing. This boy from the Bronx is forever humbled by the recognition.”
Dan Fogelman (Creator/Executive Producer), This Is Us, Six Nominations Including Outstanding Drama Series
“Thank you to the Television Academy – what lovely company to be in. We can’t wait to take selfies with everyone. And congrats to the entire This Is Us family. You made one of my favorite seasons during an impossible time and I’m crazy about all of you.”
Darren Star (Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer), Emily in Paris, Two Nominations Including Outstanding Comedy Series
“We are so thrilled to be recognized by The Television Academy for EMILY IN PARIS and to be included with such fantastic company. Making this show with Netflix, MTV Entertainment Studios, and our extraordinary French crew has been a true joy and on behalf of every person who has worked so hard on this show, we want to thank the Emmy voters for this amazing recognition.”
Emily in Paris (Carole Bethuel/Netflix)
Steve Yockey (Co-showrunner/Executive Producer), The Flight Attendant, Nine Nominations Including Outstanding Comedy Series
“Wow. It’s still surreal to me that our odd, dark, frenetic show has been so well received. We’re incredibly proud of it and this recognition is really the icing on the cake for everyone involved in bringing The Flight Attendant to life. It’s just— it’s an exciting morning.”
Chuck Lorre, The Kominsky Method, Six Nominations Including Outstanding Comedy Series
“Thank you to the members of the TV Academy for the six nominations! The past three seasons of The Kominsky Method have been an experience of a lifetime and it’s a great honor to finish out on such a high note. I want to congratulate Michael Douglas, Paul Reiser and Morgan Freeman for their well-deserved acting nominations. Thank you to Netflix, Warner Bros. and everyone on the show that worked so hard to make The Kominsky Method. Congrats to Yuri Reese, Sean Madsen and Brian Wittle for their Sound Mixing nomination and Nikki Valko, Ken Miller and Tara Treacy for their Casting nomination.”
Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg (Showrunners), Cobra Kai, Outstanding Comedy Series
“Like The Karate Kid before it, Cobra Kai has always been a true underdog story. From our humble YouTube beginnings to our badass Netflix arrival, we have enjoyed being the senseis for this special series. Being nominated for Best Comedy Series is a tremendous moment for the show that is a testament to the sweat equity put in daily by the absolute best cast and crew around. Thank you to Sony and Netflix for supporting our storytelling and giving us the freedom to grow the Miyagiverse. We are thrilled and thankful…. and we think we know karate, so everyone else in the category better watch out!”
Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky (Creators/Showrunners/Executive Producers), Hacks, 15 Nominations Including Outstanding Comedy Series
“We are so incredibly grateful to the members of the Television Academy for honoring Hacks with 15 nominations this morning. We could not be more proud that our amazing cast and crew are being recognized for their brilliance and hard work — they poured their hearts and souls into this show, during an incredibly difficult time, and we are forever indebted to them. We also share these nominations with our partners at HBO Max and Universal Television, who have given us endless support and encouragement. We’re so excited to celebrate with everyone in person and kiss so many of them on the mouth. Is the CDC allowing us to do that yet? Please don’t contact HR.”
Brad Ingelsby (Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer), Mare of Easttown, 16 Nominations Including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series)
“We are thrilled and humbled to be so greatly recognized by The Television Academy for MARE OF EASTTOWN and to be included among such amazing company. This is such a deeply personal and important story for me and none of this could have ever been possible without our amazing cast and crew. Thank you to HBO and my partners at wiip for their unwavering support and separately I want to congratulate Kate, Jean, Evan, Julianne and Craig on their much deserved nominations.”
Barry Jenkins (Creator/Director), The Underground Railroad, Seven Nominations Including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie)
“I’ve never undertaken something quite like our limited series The Underground Railroad but in the process of making it, a lesson I learned as a pupil revealed itself to be viciously true: a director is nothing without their cast, their crew; without the network of hundreds it takes to make a vision like this a dream realized and true. It’s for that reason I want to thank the Television Academy, on behalf of every soul who ever appeared at the bottom or top of any call sheet in our 116 days of shooting, for the recognition of this show alongside the exemplary nominees in the limited series category. It is always “an honor to be nominated.” Today I hope that phrase will serve as a celebration of the wonderful crew that gave this show its fuel and the selfless cast on whose wings it took flight. ”
Courteney Cox, Friends: The Reunion, Four Nominations Including Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
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Robin Thede (Star/Creator), A Black Lady Sketch Show, Five Nominations Including Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
“I am THRILLED that ABLSS has been nominated for FIVE Emmys this year! I am so proud of Issa and Yvette on their individual nominations, our editing team of badass women, our Black lady writers’ room and our entire cast and crew for the series nomination! The number of Black women who get to add “Emmy Nominated” before their names is giving me so much joy. We worked incredibly hard at the height of a global pandemic to bring this season to the audience and I was already extremely proud of it, but now I’m simply over the moon! HBO, Jax Media and our producing partners (hello Issa Rae!) are stellar and we can’t wait to come back for an even more epic Season 3!”
Amber Ruffin (Host/Writer/Executive Producer), The Amber Ruffin Show, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
“It’s thrilling that a little show like ours, written from our living rooms in our pajamas over zoom during a pandemic, can catch a nomination. Must be ’cause our writers are the f**king s**t!”
Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef, Six Nominations Including Outstanding Competition Series
“I’m so glad that all of the hard work and sacrifices made by everyone in the Top Chef crew has been recognized by the Television Academy, as we filmed this season during the pandemic, fires and civil unrest in Portland. We are lucky to be nominated every season but this nomination is especially meaningful.”
RuPaul, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nine Nominations Including Outstanding Competition Program
“On behalf of the Drag Race family, we are beyond grateful to the Television Academy for recognizing the love and passion that we poured into every frame of season 13. We couldn’t do what we do without the unwavering support of ViacomCBS, VH1 and World of Wonder. I have the distinct pleasure of working with the most creative and dedicated cast and crew in television. But the success of Drag Race starts and ends with our amazing queens. It’s their tenacity, creativity and vulnerability that tells queer kids everywhere that they are loved and worthy of celebration.”
Carson Daly, The Voice, Outstanding Competition Program
“It’s never lost on any of us at The Voice that getting an Emmy nomination is such an incredible honor. We have so many talented, hardworking people who make this show so special. Top to bottom, the best in the business for almost 500 episodes. We appreciate their hard work getting the highest recognition a television show can receive. On behalf of our superstar coaches, our entire cast and crew, and the most talented singers in the world, we’d like to thank the Academy for this nomination. We’d also like to recognize the other inspiring shows we’ve been lucky enough to get nominated alongside. Thank you!”
Kris Bowers (Composer), Bridgerton, Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) and Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
“I’m so appreciative to the Television Academy, and humbled by these two nominations. It has been such an honor to be part of Bridgerton and to see the global impact it has received. Thank you to Chris Van Dusen, Shonda Rhimes, Alex Patsavas, and everyone at Shondaland and Netflix for having me.”
Carlos Rafael Rivera (Composer), The Queen’s Gambit, Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
“So grateful for the insane amount of nominations The Queen’s Gambit has garnered, and thrilled to be included among them. My thanks to the Television Academy, my peers in the music branch for their recognition, and my deepest thanks to the great Scott Frank, for inviting me along to help tell Beth Harmon’s story through music. I am celebrating today in Miami with my wife and kids, and am so so grateful for their unwavering support over the two years it took to score The Queen’s Gambit.”
Eugene Ashe (Writer/Director), Sylvie’s Love, Outstanding Television Movie
“On behalf of the entire cast and crew of Sylvie’s Love, I’d like to thank The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for this Emmy nomination. And I’d also like to thank all of the fans of our film for allowing yourselves to believe in love.”
Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering, and Amy Herdy (Co-Creators), Allen v. Farrow, Seven Nominations Including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
“We are beyond thrilled and honored by this incredible recognition from our peers. This series was extremely challenging to make on multiple levels and it’s deeply moving to have our filmmaking and investigative work championed in this way. We are grateful to our incredible editors, executive producers, music and sound teams, graphic artists, and HBO for bringing their best to this project every single day; and are hugely grateful to Dylan and the Farrow family for their exceptional courage. Lastly we are especially grateful for what this recognition represents to survivors of incest everywhere, as it lets them know they are heard, believed, and no longer alone.”
