As The Gilded Age Season 3 concludes, it’s time to evaluate its Emmy potential. With major developments and standout performances, the series is poised for recognition at the upcoming awards.
The Gilded Age Season 3: Emmy Predictions
A near-death experience, two shocking engagements, and sisters reconciling—The Gilded Age Season 3 has concluded, making it the perfect moment to assess its Emmy prospects.
As a reminder, the Television Academy’s eligibility period runs from June 1 to May 31, meaning HBO’s acclaimed costume drama will compete at the 2026 Emmys. The eight-episode season wrapped up to great acclaim, and a fourth season is already in the works.
In the Season 3 finale, George Russell (Morgan Spector) survives a gunshot wound, thanks to Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), who was next door visiting his love interest, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton). Although the violence temporarily unites George and Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), he ultimately decides to separate from her due to her self-serving actions, such as forcing Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga) into an unwanted marriage with Duke Hector Vere (Ben Lamb). Meanwhile, Larry (Harry Richardson) and Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) reconcile after a disagreement over honesty.
In the last episode, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) finally recognizes her sister, Ada Brook Forte (Cynthia Nixon), as the head of the household. William proposes to Peggy, embracing her complicated past, which is sure to upset his controlling mother, Elizabeth Kirkland (Phylicia Rashad). Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) suggests a marriage of convenience with Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran) to enhance their societal standing. Quite the drama!
Instant Emmy Predictions for The Gilded Age Season 3
Drama Series
The Gilded Age was overlooked in its first season but received a nomination for Season 2 in 2024, losing to Shōgun. With its growing popularity and critical acclaim, it’s likely to secure one of the eight slots for Season 3, especially since many current Best Drama Series nominees (Andor, The Last of Us, Severance, and The White Lotus) are not expected to return before the May 31 cut-off.
Lead Acting
While most ensemble members are submitted as supporting actors, Spector and Coon campaigned in the lead categories for Season 2, resulting in a Best Drama Actress nomination for Coon. In Season 3, the Russells’ marriage takes center stage as they face significant challenges. Coon’s emotional performance, particularly during the scene where she breaks down after George is shot, is likely to resonate with voters. Currently, she is nominated for The White Lotus in the supporting category, indicating her status as an Emmy favorite.
Supporting Acting
The ensemble of 34 performers was nominated at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards, showcasing its strength. Notable contenders for the Emmys include Baranski, who received a nomination for Season 2, and Nixon, who navigates her husband’s death and takes charge of the household in Season 3. Benton also shines this year with her character’s journey from illness to love. Additionally, Donna Murphy as Caroline Astor and Kelli O’Hara as Aurora Fane challenge societal norms through their storylines. Watch for Rashad as William’s mother and Audra McDonald as Peggy’s mother, who appear in enough episodes to be considered for supporting roles.
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Guest Acting
According to Emmy rules, only actors appearing in fewer than 50% of episodes are eligible for guest acting nominations. Four standout guest stars this season include Bill Camp as J. P. Morgan, Nathan Lane as Ward McAllister, Merritt Wever as Monica O’Brien, and Dylan Baker as Dr. Logan.
“This season is shaping up to be its best. The actors have incredible chemistry. Carrie Coon consistently delivers Emmy-worthy performances, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!”
Writing and Directing
After being overlooked in the writing and directing categories in the first two seasons, The Gilded Age could make a comeback next year. All eight episodes were penned by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield. The directing duties were shared among Michael Engler, Deborah Kampmeier, and Salli Richardson Whitfield, the latter being a former nominee for Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
Crafts
The period drama has already won an Emmy for production design (2022) and received nominations for hairstyling and costumes (2024). Expect The Gilded Age to be competitive in these categories in 2026, along with casting, cinematography, makeup, music, picture editing, sound editing, and sound mixing.
