The 2025 Emmy nominations have been announced, and while some shows celebrated big wins, many fan-favorites and critically acclaimed performances were surprisingly left off the list.
Big Shows, Surprising Omissions
Netflix’s global sensation, *Squid Game*, which dominated the 2022 Emmys with six wins for its first season, shockingly received zero nominations for its highly anticipated second season. This includes a snub for breakout character Thanos, played by T.O.P, a major disappointment for fans who expected continued recognition for the South Korean thriller.
Another show that suffered a major shutout was *Yellowjackets*. After a strong run in previous years, securing ten nominations across its first two seasons, the darker and more complex third season received no nods at all. Even Melanie Lynskey, a past Emmy nominee for the show, was overlooked this year.
*The Handmaid’s Tale*, typically an Emmy darling, also saw a dramatic reduction in nominations for its final season. Despite Elisabeth Moss having previously won an Emmy for her lead role in the series, she was completely left out of this year’s acting categories. Even her acclaimed directorial work on the show failed to secure a nomination.
Lead Actors Left Behind
Hulu’s popular comedy *Only Murders in the Building* usually sees its lead trio recognized, but this year, only Martin Short secured a nomination. Both Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, who have been Emmy fixtures for the show, were surprisingly absent from the acting categories.
In the drama sphere, *Andor* earned a well-deserved nomination for Best Drama Series, but its lead star, Diego Luna, was overlooked. Critics widely praised Luna’s brilliant performance as Rebel spy Cassian, yet he, along with co-stars Stellan Skarsgård and Genevieve O’Reilly, didn’t receive individual acting nods.
Natasha Lyonne, widely credited for carrying the unique detective series *Poker Face* on her shoulders, also faced a snub. Despite being nominated last year, Lyonne did not make the cut this time, even as the show picked up two other nominations, including one for guest star Cynthia Erivo.
*Somebody Somewhere*, a beloved HBO comedy lauded for its quiet charm, saw its emotional anchor and lead, Bridget Everett, ignored by voters. While her co-star Jeff Hiller received a nomination and the show was recognized for its script, Everett’s grounded performance was a significant omission.
Veteran actor Ted Danson, a long-time Emmy regular since his days on *Cheers*, also went completely unnoticed this year. His show, *A Man on the Inside*, failed to secure any nominations across the board.
Unexpected Snubs and Overlooked Gems
While HBO’s *The White Lotus* garnered numerous nominations, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s performance was notably absent from the list. His character was widely praised by critics as the emotional heart of the season, making his snub a significant surprise.
Keira Knightley’s performance in Netflix’s spy series *Black Doves* generated considerable buzz, with many expecting her to secure a lead nomination. However, the entire series was completely shut out, receiving no acting or writing nods, in a year where other spy dramas found favour.
- Major past Emmy winners like *Squid Game* and *Yellowjackets* received zero nominations.
- Several lead actors considered the backbone of their shows, including Natasha Lyonne, Bridget Everett, and Diego Luna, were surprisingly overlooked.
- Even veteran performers such as Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson missed out on nominations.
The 2025 Emmy nominations certainly sparked conversations, reminding us that even critical acclaim and fan loyalty don’t always guarantee a spot on the ballot in the competitive awards landscape.
