Double Emmy Showdown: Jonathan Pryce Eyes Twin Nominations for 'The Crown' and 'Slow Horses'

The Crown's Prince Philip: A Three-Peat in the Making?

Jonathan Pryce is on the verge of a historic Emmy double. According to a detailed analysis from the awards-tracking site Screenshot (550).png, the veteran actor is predicted to earn nominations in two separate categories: Best Drama Supporting Actor for Netflix's The Crown and Best Drama Guest Actor for Apple TV+'s Slow Horses. If the predictions hold, it would mark Pryce's first Emmy nods in 14 years—and a triumphant return to the small screen's biggest night.

Pryce's portrayal of Prince Philip in the final season of The Crown has drawn widespread critical acclaim. The season covers the aftermath of Princess Diana's death, Tony Blair's premiership, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Critics like William Tucker of But Why Tho? praised Pryce's "delicate, measured performance," noting that his scenes with Imelda Staunton (Queen Elizabeth II) command attention as the rooms empty around them. The show's slow pacing allows monologues to breathe, and Pryce's decades of stage and screen experience shine through.

A Category Dominated by Crown Royalty

The Emmys have a long history of rewarding The Crown actors. John Lithgow won for Winston Churchill in 2017, Matt Smith was nominated in 2018, and Tobias Menzies took the trophy in 2021—all for playing either Churchill or Prince Philip. Pryce is poised to continue that streak. The series has earned 21 Emmys overall, with 18 acting nominations across its six seasons. Given that track record, Pryce's inclusion in the Drama Supporting Actor lineup feels almost inevitable.

The predicted nominees in that category include stiff competition from Billy Crudup (The Morning Show), Jon Hamm (The Morning Show), Tadanobu Asano (Shōgun), and Nathan Lane (The Gilded Age). But Pryce's status as a beloved veteran and the show's Emmy pedigree give him a strong edge.

Slow Horses: A Guest Spot with Bite

Pryce's second potential nomination comes from his guest role in Slow Horses season three, playing David Cartwright, the retired MI5 grandfather of protagonist River Cartwright (Jack Lowden). The espionage thriller, which follows a team of disgraced intelligence agents, has itself become an Emmy contender. Screenshot (550).png notes that the show is predicted to land bids for Best Drama Series, Best Drama Actor (Gary Oldman), and Best Drama Supporting Actress (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Critics have highlighted Pryce's performance as a perfect counterbalance to the series' cynical tone. Ana Yorke of Pop Matters described him as "wise, steady," while Jeff York of The Establishing Shot observed that his character is "hardly a loving or supportive papa"—almost as prickly as Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb. The role appears in episodes three and six of the season, and the quality of his work has placed him on the bubble for Best Drama Guest Actor.

Can He Break Into the Guest Actor List?

The predicted Drama Guest Actor category is packed with names like Nestor Carbonell (Shōgun), John Turturro (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and Kyle MacLachlan (Fallout). But the category has historically welcomed veteran actors—James Cromwell, Charles Dance, and F. Murray Abraham have all scored nominations in recent years. Pryce fits that mold perfectly. His two previous Emmy bids came in 1993 for Barbarians at the Gate and 2010 for Return to Cranford, both in the TV movie/limited series supporting actor category.

It's also worth noting that a double nomination in Drama Supporting and Drama Guest has precedent: Giancarlo Esposito achieved it in 2020 for Better Call Saul and The Mandalorian. Pryce could become the second actor to pull off this feat.

The Comeback Kid: Pryce's Road to the Emmys

After 14 years away from the Emmys, Pryce's return would be a career highlight. The source article highlights other actors who made comebacks in this category: Michael Imperioli returned after 17 years for The White Lotus, Christopher Walken after 31 years for Severance, and Jeffrey Wright after 13 years for Westworld. Pryce's trajectory mirrors theirs—proof that excellence endures.

Beyond the Emmy race, Pryce's career spans decades of iconic roles: from his Tony-winning stage work in Miss Saigon to film performances in Brazil, The Two Popes, and Game of Thrones. His portrayal of Prince Philip in The Crown has been praised for its restraint and dignity, arguably a perfect capstone to the show's portrayal of the royal family.

Why This Matters for Awards Season

If Pryce secures both nominations, it would mark the first time an actor has been recognized for both a lead/supporting role and a guest role in the same year since Esposito. It also underscores the strength of two very different shows: the regal, somber The Crown and the grungy, witty Slow Horses. Both have captured critics' imaginations, and Pryce is the common thread.

The final season of The Crown received mixed reviews overall, but Pryce's performance was a consistent highlight. Similarly, Slow Horses has built a devoted fan base thanks to its sharp writing and ensemble cast. Pryce's ability to elevate both projects speaks to his versatility as an actor.

As the Emmy nomination voting window approaches, all eyes will be on Pryce. He may not be a household name to younger audiences, but his pedigree is undeniable. If the predictions in Screenshot (550).png hold true, Jonathan Pryce will be back on the Emmy red carpet—twice.

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