The 2025 Emmy Awards are just around the corner, with nominations highlighting exceptional talent in drama. Here’s a breakdown of the episode submissions for Best Drama Guest Actress and Actor.
2025 Emmys: Best Drama Guest Actress and Actor Episode Submissions
As the Emmy voting period approaches, starting August 18, members of the Television Academy are encouraged to review the episode submissions from all nominees, although this is not mandatory. While the submissions for lead and supporting acting categories will be revealed soon by Gold Derby, the choices made by guest stars in both drama and comedy categories have been publicly shared in the nominating ballots.
Best Drama Guest Actress
Jane Alexander as Sissy Cobel in Severance
Episode: “Sweet Vitriol”
Recap: Sissy, Harmony Cobel’s aunt, lives a secluded life in Salt’s Neck, where 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 threatened.
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 vengeance for her father’s death, leading her to confront Joel.
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 Serena and Luke face risks.
Emmy History: This is Jones’ sixth Primetime Emmy nomination; she has 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 deal with his past traumas.
Emmy History: This is O’Hara’s 10th 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 forms a unique bond with her husband’s work persona.
Emmy History: This is Wever’s fifth Primetime Emmy nomination; she has won for Nurse Jackie (2013).
Best Drama Guest Actor
Giancarlo Esposito as Stan Edgar in The Boys
Episode: “Beware The Jabberwock, My Son”
Recap: Edgar, in prison, is approached by Butcher for help in finding an anti-Supe virus.
Emmy History: This is Esposito’s sixth Primetime Emmy nomination.
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Scott Glenn as Jim Hollinger in The White Lotus
Episode: “Killer Instincts”
Recap: Jim confronts Rick in Bangkok, leading to a pivotal moment.
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 assists during a mass casualty incident, revealing his military past.
Emmy History: This is Hatosy’s first Primetime Emmy nomination.
Joe Pantoliano as Eugene in The Last of Us
Episode: “The Price”
Recap: Eugene pleads with Joel for one last goodbye to his wife.
Emmy History: This is Pantoliano’s second Primetime Emmy nomination.
Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera in Andor
Episode: “I Have Friends Everywhere”
Recap: Saw’s ruthless actions reveal his character’s depth.
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 religious cult, showcasing his uncompromising nature.
Emmy History: This is Wright’s seventh Primetime Emmy nomination.
