For some of Hollywood’s most respected actors, it’s taken decades to reach the Emmy stage — but 2025 is finally their year.
This season’s Emmy nominations, announced on July 15, didn’t just spotlight breakout shows and perennial favorites — they also brought long-overdue recognition to some of the industry’s most beloved performers who had never before been nominated for television’s top honor.
Harrison Ford Scores His First-Ever Emmy Nomination at 83
One of the biggest headlines from the 2025 Emmy nominations is the inclusion of Harrison Ford, a legend in cinema, who at the age of 83 has finally secured his first Emmy nomination.
Ford was nominated in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as Dr. Paul Rhoades in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking. In the show, he portrays a therapist battling Parkinson’s disease, and his touching monologue about the realities of aging and illness in Season 2 left a lasting impression on both fans and Emmy voters alike.
Interestingly, Ford shares the nomination category with his Shrinking co-star Michael Urie, and other notable names like:
- Ike Barinholtz (The Studio)
- Colman Domingo (The Four Seasons)
- Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear)
- Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live)
Shrinking Picks Up Multiple Nods
Shrinking didn’t just bring Harrison Ford into Emmy contention — the show itself was nominated in seven categories, including:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jason Segel
- Supporting Actress for Jessica Williams
This marks a major shift for Ford, who has long been associated with blockbuster film franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars. His foray into television has now officially paid off, and the acknowledgment comes after what many considered a major snub in 2023, when he was overlooked for his work in both Shrinking Season 1 and the Yellowstone prequel 1923.
Kristen Bell Finally Earns an Emmy Nod
Another beloved name joining the list of first-time Emmy nominees is Kristen Bell. Known for iconic TV roles in Veronica Mars and The Good Place, it may come as a surprise to fans that she had never received a Primetime Emmy nomination — until now.
Bell was recognized in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category for her role in the Netflix dark comedy Nobody Wants This, a series that blends biting satire with heartwarming moments.
Adam Brody Gets His First Nomination Too
Joining Bell in the first-time club is her Nobody Wants This co-star, Adam Brody, who earned a nod for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Brody, best known for his role on The O.C., has enjoyed a steady career across indie films and streaming series — but this is his first formal recognition by Emmy voters.
Together, Bell and Brody have been praised for their chemistry and nuanced comedic timing in the series, making their nominations a bright spot in this year’s comedy lineup.
First-Time Nominees Across Genres
Beyond Bell, Brody, and Ford, a wide range of acclaimed actors were also honored for the very first time this year, proving that Emmy recognition can come at any stage in a career.
Here’s a rundown of other performers making their Emmy debut in 2025:
From Comic Book Worlds to Prestige Drama
- Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti were nominated for their performances in The Penguin, the gritty Gotham City spinoff that has captivated critics.
- Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny were both recognized for their chilling portrayals in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a true-crime dramatization that has made waves this season.
Streaming Thrillers and Legal Dramas
- Jake Gyllenhaal received his first nomination for Presumed Innocent, a legal thriller that saw him take on a complex, emotionally fraught role.
- J.K. Simmons joined the list with a nomination for Die Hart: Hart to Kill, showing that even action-comedy hybrids can earn critical acclaim.
The White Lotus Welcomes New Faces
The White Lotus, a recurring awards darling, introduced first-time Emmy nominees this year too:
- Scott Glenn
- Jason Isaacs
- Aimee Lou Wood
Their performances in the latest season were widely praised for their emotional range and impact, helping to maintain the show’s reputation as a character-driven drama.
More Breakthroughs in Comedy and Drama
Two Marvel universe actors, Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Mackie, were also among the new names on the Emmy list. Their work in the sharp, satirical workplace comedy The Studio impressed enough to earn them recognition in acting categories.
Meanwhile, the acclaimed Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Severance added more talent to the Emmy nominee pool:
- Britt Lower
- Zach Cherry
- Tramell Tillman
These actors had been heavily predicted to join the nominee list this year due to their standout performances in a show praised for its originality and emotional depth.
Why This Matters: A Shift Toward Fresh Recognition
This year’s nominations highlight a positive trend — the Emmys are increasingly willing to look beyond just familiar faces and legacy shows, and instead spotlight long-time working actors and fresh talent alike. From legends like Harrison Ford to streaming stars making waves, this mix of nominees reflects the evolving landscape of television.
Conclusion: A Season of Firsts
The 2025 Emmy nominations are a celebration of new beginnings for veteran stars, proof that meaningful recognition can come at any stage of a career. As we head toward Emmy night, the presence of these first-time nominees adds a layer of excitement, offering long-overdue credit and signaling a more inclusive future for awards recognition in Hollywood.
Whether it’s a sci-fi dystopia, a quirky comedy, or a historical drama, the Emmys have finally acknowledged the incredible range of performances that have shaped this television season.