Italian
Emmy hopefuls: A closer look at this year’s solo nominees
The lone stars of the Emmys
What do Robert Downey Jr., Idris Elba, Lily Gladstone, and Maya Rudolph have in common? These four stars are not only nominees at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards but also the sole representatives of their respective series. Downey is up for supporting actor in a limited series for The Sympathizer, Elba for lead drama actor in Hijack, Gladstone for supporting actress in a limited series for Under the Bridge, and Rudolph for lead comedy actress in Loot. While each of these talented actors has a shot at winning, history shows that it’s rare for someone to take home an Emmy when their show has no other nominations.
A rare feat in Emmy history
Over the past four decades, only six actors have won an Emmy as the sole nominee from their show. These include Louie Anderson for Baskets in 2016, Richard Kiley for A Year in the Life in 1987, Regina King for Seven Seconds in 2018, Helen Mirren for Prime Suspect: The Scent of Darkness in 1996, Tatiana Maslany for Orphan Black in 2016, and Mark Ruffalo for I Know This Much Is True in 2020. These wins were influenced by various factors, including the COVID pandemic, past Emmy triumphs, and the deep respect each actor commands within the industry. So, how might this year’s solo nominees fare?
Robert Downey Jr.: A potential history-maker
Downey, fresh off his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, could make history if he wins. He would become the first man and only the third actor ever to win an Oscar and an Emmy in the same year. The first were Helen Hunt and Helen Mirren. Though many expected more nods for HBO/Max’s The Sympathizer, particularly in technical categories like makeup, Downey Jr. is heavily favored by pundits to garner his first win 23 years after his first nom for the comedy Ally McBeal. However, he’s up against formidable opponents, including Critics Choice winner Jonathan Bailey for Fellow Travelers and the late Treat Williams, who was posthumously nominated for Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. Interesting note about Feud, it’s also one of three series to receive acting noms in each eligible acting race. The others are FX’s The Bear and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Watch the trailer for The Sympathizer
Idris Elba: The surprise contender
Elba’s inclusion for Hijack was a surprise to many, marking his sixth career nod at the Emmys. In the Apple TV+ thriller, Elba plays a corporate business negotiator who uses his skills to resolve a hijacking crisis aboard a seven-hour flight. Despite his talent, the English-born actor faces tough competition from frontrunner Hiroyuki Sanada (Shōgun) and potential spoilers Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) and Dominic West (The Crown). If Elba manages to win, it would go down as one of the biggest upsets in Emmy history.
Maya Rudolph: The versatile veteran
Rudolph is the most nominated actor at this year’s ceremony with four total — including for her work on Big Mouth (character voice-over) and Saturday Night Live (guest comedy actress and original music and lyrics). At the top of her list is her first lead comedy actress bid for Loot. This is the first-ever nom for the show, now in its second season. While Rudolph’s past Emmy success might help her, with five career wins, she’ll be up against recent winners like Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), as well as another five-time winner Jean Smart (Hacks). Notably, a lead comedy actress winner has never been the sole nominee for her show in all of Emmy history. That could be tough to overcome.
Lily Gladstone: The rising star
Lily Gladstone, riding high after her first Oscar nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon, adds an Emmy nod to her growing list of accolades. In Under the Bridge, she plays a police officer working to solve a brutal murder in Hulu’s true crime drama. Gladstone, along with fellow nominee Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), has already made history as the first Indigenous woman nominated for acting at the Emmys. However, Baby Reindeer, with nominees Nava Mau (another historic nom as the third-ever transgender acting nominee) and frontrunner Jessica Gunning, has strong momentum, and the series is also the favorite for the best limited or anthology series trophy.
Watch the trailer for Under the Bridge
The unpredictable nature of the Emmys
So, what are the chances that these four solo nominees will take home an Emmy for their acclaimed performances? While their odds may seem slim, particularly given the competition, Downey appears to have the best shot, followed closely by Rudolph. However, as we’ve seen in past shocking ceremonies, anything can happen, and sometimes the underdog gets their moment in the spotlight. Just ask Ewan McGregor about Halston.
Final Emmy voting takes place from Aug. 15 to Aug. 26.
