2025 Emmys: Best Drama Guest Actress and Actor Episode Submissions

As the 2025 Emmys approach, it’s time to take a closer look at the episode submissions from the nominees in the Best Drama Guest Actress and Actor categories. These performances showcase some of the most talented actors in the industry, each bringing unique characters to life.

2025 Emmys: Best Drama Guest Actress and Actor Episode Submissions

As the voting for the Emmy winners approaches (starting Aug. 18), members of the Television Academy are encouraged to view all nominees’ episode submissions, although it is not mandatory. While the submissions for lead and supporting acting categories will be revealed soon by Gold Derby, the choices for guest stars in drama and comedy are already available on the nominating ballots.

Best Drama Guest Actress

Jane Alexander as Sissy Cobel in Severance
Episode: “Sweet Vitriol”
Recap: Sissy, Harmony Cobel’s aunt, leads a secluded life in Salt’s Neck until her niece’s return stirs up old resentments.
Emmy history: This marks Alexander’s eighth Primetime Emmy nomination; she previously won for Playing for Time (1981) and Warm Springs (2005).

Gwendoline Christie as Lorne in Severance
Episode: “Cold Harbor”
Recap: Initially skeptical of Mark and Helly, Lorne becomes a fierce ally when her goats are endangered.
Emmy history: This is Christie’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby in The Last of Us
Episode: “Through the Valley”
Recap: Abby seeks revenge for her father’s murder, tracking down Joel in Jackson.
Emmy history: This is Dever’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.

Cherry Jones as Holly in The Handmaid’s Tale
Episode: “Exile”
Recap: June reunites with her mother, Holly, while navigating new community dynamics.
Emmy history: This is Jones’ sixth Primetime Emmy nomination; she has previously won for 24 (2009) and The Handmaid’s Tale (2019).

Catherine O’Hara as Gail in The Last of Us
Episode: “Future Days”
Recap: Gail, the town therapist, helps Joel confront his past traumas.
Emmy history: This is O’Hara’s tenth Primetime Emmy nomination; she has won for SCTV Network (1982) and Schitt’s Creek (2020).

Merritt Wever as Gretchen George in Severance
Episode: “Who Is Alive?”
Recap: Gretchen, a police dispatcher, forms a bond with her husband’s work persona.
Emmy history: This is Wever’s fifth Primetime Emmy nomination; she has previously won for Nurse Jackie (2013).

Best Drama Guest Actor

Giancarlo Esposito as Stan Edgar in The Boys
Episode: “Beware The Jabberwock, My Son”
Recap: Stan Edgar is approached in prison by Butcher and Mother’s Milk regarding a dangerous mission.
Emmy history: This is Esposito’s sixth Primetime Emmy nomination.

Scott Glenn as Jim Hollinger in The White Lotus
Episode: “Killer Instincts”
Recap: Rick confronts Jim Hollinger in Bangkok, believing he ruined his life.
Emmy history: This is Glenn’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.

Shawn Hatosy as Dr. Jack Abbot in The Pitt
Episode: “9:00 P.M.”
Recap: Dr. Abbot steps in during a crisis, drawing on his military experience.
Emmy history: This is Hatosy’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.

Joe Pantoliano as Eugene in The Last of Us
Episode: “The Price”
Recap: Eugene, bitten by a Clicker, seeks a final farewell with his wife, Gail.
Emmy history: This is Pantoliano’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.

Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera in Andor
Episode: “I Have Friends Everywhere”
Recap: Saw Gerrera’s ruthless tactics are revealed as he manipulates Wilmon.
Emmy history: This is Whitaker’s fourth Primetime Emmy nomination.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac in The Last of Us
Episode: “Day One”
Recap: Isaac leads a war against a cult, showcasing his uncompromising nature.
Emmy history: This is Wright’s seventh Primetime Emmy nomination.