The Emmy Awards rulebook is a sacred document in the world of television, but recent updates have left many scratching their heads. As Hulu prepares its official Emmy submissions for the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” one particular entry is causing quite a stir.
According to exclusive information from Variety, Hulu has submitted Alexis Bledel for consideration in the guest drama actress category for her appearance in the series finale. This move has raised eyebrows due to a new rule that disqualifies actors who have previously been nominated in a lead or supporting category for the same show. Bledel, who won the Emmy for guest actress in 2017, was nominated in the same category in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2018, she was ineligible to compete as a guest and was instead nominated for supporting actress after appearing in multiple episodes. The one-year recognition for her character, Ofglen, seems to fall outside the bounds of eligibility, but Hulu is hoping the TV Academy will make an exception.
Insiders suggest that Hulu expects the TV Academy to reclassify Bledel’s submission to supporting actress before voting begins on June 12, but no decision has been made yet. The new rule aims to clarify what constitutes a “guest” star, stating that any actor previously nominated in a lead or supporting role for a series cannot be considered a guest, regardless of their screen time.
The policy has faced criticism and confusion within the industry. Meryl Streep, for example, was deemed ineligible for guest consideration for her role in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” despite appearing in just four episodes. She will instead compete in the supporting comedy actress category due to her previous nomination. The guidelines have also created inconsistencies, as seen with Paul Rudd’s character, who was almost eligible as a guest but appeared in one episode too many.
Many argue that the rule unfairly penalizes performers with limited screen time who have previously been recognized, especially when their appearances are sporadic. This backlash may prompt the Emmys to reconsider the rule for future cycles.
Despite the controversy, “The Handmaid’s Tale” remains a strong contender in this year’s Emmy race. The show, which concluded its six-season run, has amassed 76 nominations and 15 wins over its lifetime. Hulu has submitted 36 entries for the show across various categories, including acting nominations for Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Max Minghella, and more.
As the Emmy season ramps up, all eyes are on the TV Academy to see how they handle these rule discrepancies and how they will impact the awards race. The industry is eagerly awaiting a resolution that ensures fair and consistent treatment for all actors in contention.
