Here Are The Hidden Emmy Best Supporting Actor And Actress Nominees

The Television Academy’s Emmy nomination livestream left out four key categories—Best Supporting Actor and Actress in both comedy and drama—leaving fans and nominees in the dark. Here is the full list of hidden contenders that the broadcast forgot to mention.

During the July 8 livestream, producers skipped the announcements for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. The omission caught viewers off guard, as these are typically high-profile categories featuring A-list stars and breakout performers. The Academy later published the complete nominations on its website, but the glitch caused confusion and social-media chatter.

This year’s Emmy race has been unusually competitive, with strong performances across streaming services and cable. The supporting categories often serve as early indicators of overall series strength. In comedy, shows like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary” are expected to dominate, while dramas such as “Succession” and “The Last of Us” have multiple contenders. The hidden nominees include both seasoned veterans and first-time hopefuls.

Among the hidden Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy nominees are Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”), Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”), and Bowen Yang (“SNL”), alongside newcomers like Paul W. Downs (“Hacks”). For Supporting Actress in a Comedy, Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”), Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”), and Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”) made the cut. In drama, Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”), Jonathan Banks (“Better Call Saul”), and Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) lead the Supporting Actor race, while J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”), Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul”), and Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”) headline the Supporting Actress side. These names reflect the breadth of talent rarely seen in a single season.

The livestream slip highlights a recurring challenge for award shows: balancing live coverage with comprehensive inclusion. Industry analyst Sarah Klein notes, “These four categories represent some of the most competitive races this year. Leaving them out not only frustrates viewers but also shortchanges the artists.” The Academy has promised to review its broadcast format for future announcements.

Looking ahead, the full nominee list is now available online, and voting for the final winners opens July 20. Expect intense campaign spending and star-studded events leading up to the September ceremony. This year’s hidden nominees will likely become a talking point—and a cautionary tale for next year’s production team.