The Emmys rulebook is blessed, but requires some serious updates.
Even though "The Story of the Handmaid" adopts the final bow and arrow, Hulu confirms that its official Emmys submitted the well-received drama, especially one article has caused a wave.
type Despite her appearance in the series finale (“610 – “The Handmaid’s Tale”), Alexis Bledel, who was submitted in the Guest Drama Actress category, despite Emmy’s rule being previously nominated for the leading or support category of the same show or support category. Bledel won an Emmy Award in 2017 and received two other NOMs in the same category in 2020 and 2021. However, after appearing in 7 episodes of 13 episodes in 2018, she was not eligible for attending the guest. She was submitted and eventually nominated for supporting the Drama Actress. Her year-long recognition for her role of Ofglen seems to be out of the scope of eligibility, but Ribbon hopes that the TV Academy will consider her situation.
Insiders said Hulu hopes the TV Academy reclassified Bladell's support for the dramatic actors before the June 12 vote, but as of now, no decision has been issued.
The rule is intended to clarify what defines a “guest” star. According to the new guide, any actor who previously nominated or assisted characters in a leader is no longer considered a guest, regardless of their appearance in the series.
The policy has caused criticism and confusion throughout the industry. Meryl Streep, for example, was ruled not to meet the guests’ considerations, as her transfer in Hulu’s “The Only Murder in the Building” only showed up for four episodes, but would be in the Support Comedy Actress category due to her previous NOM. Meanwhile, Paul Rudd plays a new role in the same series, almost qualifying for the guests, but is too much in one plot, revealing the inconsistency with these changes.
Nevertheless, these guides are much more clarity than clarity. There should be a fundamental difference between trying to go to the guest's main series leader and an occasional long-term support player.
Industry voices believe that this change unfairly punishes performers for previously recognized limited screen time, especially when these appear few and far apart. Some believe this increasingly fierce rebound will prompt Emmys to consider revisions before future cycles.
Despite the conflict of rules, "The Handmaid's Story" remains a powerful force in this year's Emmy Awards competition. The drama ended six seasons on Monday, with 76 nominations and 15 victories in its lifetime, including the historic Outstanding Drama Series champion in Season 1, the first-ever streaming platform win.
This year, Hulu submitted 36 entries for the exhibition in Prime Time and Creative Arts categories. Notable performance entries include Elisabeth Moss, starring Elisabeth Moss, and hosting the penultimate episode of Execution, which is a little surprising considering that long-term performances often retain their final episodes. But the plot of seeing many of the favourite characters’ shocking deaths is even more visually stunning, paired with June’s collaboration, “Don’t let the asshole get stuck when she’s hanged.”
Additionally, Bradley Whitford, Max Minghella and OT Fagbenle will be in the support cast competition, while Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley and Ann Dowd will seek out romance actresses. Guest actresses outside Bradell included Emmy winners Cherry Jones (Episode 602) and D'Arcy Carden (Episode 608).
Hulu's full 2025 Emmy Award Submission List "The Story of the Maid" includes:
“I’m trying to do my best – hold the baton, run as much as possible and hand it to the next one.”
Variety Award Tour: