Pedro Pascal’s Emmy Fate Hangs in the Balance for "The Last of Us" Season 2
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers from the second episode of "The Last of Us" Season 2, now streaming on Max.
Pedro Pascal’s performance as Joel Miller in the post-apocalyptic drama "The Last of Us" Season 2 has been met with critical acclaim once again. However, his fate in this year’s Emmy Awards race remains uncertain as HBO/Max and his awards team deliberate over which category best suits his portrayal: lead drama actor or supporting.
In the latest episode titled "Through the Valley," Joel’s storyline takes a shocking turn. While on patrol outside Jackson, Wyoming, Joel saves Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) from a horde of infected only to be led into a trap. Abby, seeking revenge for Joel killing her father in the Season 1 finale, brutally beats him with a golf club and ultimately stabs him in the neck in front of his surrogate daughter Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
Although the episode leaves room for Pascal to appear in later episodes through flashbacks, new Emmy rules present a challenge. Pascal may be disqualified from competing in the guest actor category due to the Television Academy’s recent rule change.
Pascal’s team is faced with a pivotal choice regarding his submission category for the Emmys. While no final decision has been made, speculation suggests he may once again vie for a nomination in the lead actor category.
If Pascal chooses to compete in the lead actor category, he will face tough competition from actors like Adam Scott for "Severance" and Noah Wyle for "The Pitt." On the other hand, the supporting actor category is also highly competitive but potentially more open, which could work in Pascal’s favor.
Should Pascal submit in the supporting actor category and earn a nomination, he would join a select group of Latinos recognized in this category. Previous Latino honorees include Albert Paulsen, Edward James Olmos, Jimmy Smits, and Freddy Rodriguez.
Ultimately, Pascal’s decision on which category to submit in will have a significant impact on his Emmy journey. Whether he competes among leads or in the supporting field, one thing is for certain: Joel Miller’s legacy and Pascal’s performance will be a major talking point of this Emmy season.
