Emmy nominations 2024: Celebrating the stars of Variety’s “Actors on Actors”
The Emmy nominations morning of 2024 brought a wave of excitement as 14 stars from Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series received well-deserved recognition. These talented performers have not only captivated audiences with their on-screen prowess but also shared their personal journeys and insights in heartfelt discussions. Let’s delve into the stories and achievements of these remarkable actors.
Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr.: A nostalgic reunion
Jodie Foster, nominated for outstanding lead actress in a limited series for “True Detective,” and Robert Downey Jr., nominated for outstanding lead actor in a limited series for “The Sympathizer,” reminisced about their collaboration on the film “Home for the Holidays” during their “Actors on Actors” conversation. Foster, who directed the film, and Downey Jr. also discussed the possibility of him revisiting his iconic role as Iron Man and Foster’s unforgettable experience working on “Silence of the Lambs.” Watch the trailer for “True Detective” and “The Sympathizer”.
Jennifer Aniston and Quinta Brunson: Comedy and creativity
Jennifer Aniston, an Emmy nominee for “The Morning Show,” sat down with Quinta Brunson, who received acting and writing nods for “Abbott Elementary.” Their conversation revolved around breaking into comedy, the joy of sitcoms, and the challenges of working with writers while blocking out distractions from social media. Check out the trailer for “The Morning Show” and “Abbott Elementary”.
Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig: A “Bridesmaids” reunion
Variety’s “Bridesmaids” reunion brought Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig together. Wiig, nominated for her role in “Palm Royale,” and Hamm, recognized for his work in “Fargo,” took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling their collaborations on “Saturday Night Live.” Wiig shared her experience working with Laura Dern and Carol Burnett to recreate the vibrant ’60s Palm Beach, while Hamm delved into developing his “Fargo” character, Roy Tillman, including those memorable prosthetic nipples. Watch the trailer for “Palm Royale” and “Fargo”.
Andrew Scott and Brie Larson: Complex characters
Andrew Scott, nominated for “Ripley,” joined Brie Larson, the lead in “Lessons in Chemistry,” to chat about playing complex characters, whether heroes or villains. They swapped stories about their early auditioning days, their journey to the top of the call sheet, and how they overcame the nerves. Watch the trailer for “Ripley” and “Lessons in Chemistry”.
Naomi Watts and Jonathan Bailey: Transformations and tributes
Naomi Watts, nominated for “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” and Jonathan Bailey, recognized for “Fellow Travelers,” had a blast chatting for the first time on “Actors on Actors.” Bailey gushed about Watts’ star turn in “Mulholland Drive” and shared a similar sex scene he filmed for “Fellow Travelers” that was never used. Watts discussed her physical transformation to become Babe Paley in “Feud.” Watch the trailer for “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” and “Fellow Travelers”.
Hannah Einbinder and Chloe Fineman: Chemistry and comedy
“Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder, nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, joined “Saturday Night Live” cast member Chloe Fineman to discuss finding her chemistry with “Hacks” guest star Christina Hendricks and filming a standout episode in the wilderness with Jean Smart. Watch the trailer for “Hacks”.
Anna Sawai and Tom Hiddleston: Freedom and fight scenes
“Shōgun” star Anna Sawai, nominated for her role as the captivating Toda Mariko, joined Tom Hiddleston from “Loki” for a captivating conversation about freedom and the similarities between “Shōgun” and the sci-fi Marvel show. Sawai also broke down her character’s climactic castle gate fight moment for Variety’s “Making A Scene.” Watch the trailer for “Shōgun” and “Loki”.
Tyler James Williams and Anthony Mackie: From child actors to heartthrobs
Golden Globe winner and three-time Emmy nominee Tyler James Williams from “Abbott Elementary,” nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, joined “Twisted Metal” star Anthony Mackie to break down their journeys from child actors to adult heartthrobs. Watch the trailer for “Abbott Elementary” and “Twisted Metal”.
Elizabeth Debicki and Emma Corrin: Decoding Princess Diana
Nominated for playing Princess Diana on “The Crown,” Elizabeth Debicki sat with another Princess Diana actor, Emma Corrin, to break down how they decoded the legendary figure. They also discussed Diana’s tragic death and the “abusive” paparazzi who played a role in it. Watch the trailer for “The Crown”.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast also hosted a slew of Emmy nominees, including Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”), John Wilson (“How to With John Wilson”), Ron Howard (“Jim Henson Idea Man”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), John Mulaney (“Our Next Guest with David Letterman and John Mulaney”), Lamorne Morris (“Fargo”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”), Ramy Youssef (“The Bear”), Kali Reis (“True Detective: Night Country”), Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”), Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case”), Maya Rudolph (“Loot,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Big Mouth”) and Emma Schwartz and Mary Robertson (“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV”).
As we celebrate these talented actors and their incredible journeys, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the impact of their performances. The Emmy nominations are a testament to their dedication and passion, and we eagerly await the awards ceremony to see who will take home the coveted trophies.