Emmy Nominees Share Heartfelt Reactions: Lash Lifts, Tears, and Jokes About ‘Love Island’

Surprise and Joy Across the Board

The 2026 Primetime Emmy nominations arrived with a mix of shock, tears, and laughter. From lash lifts to midday naps, the stars had unique ways of learning they were among the year's best. Variety spoke with a range of nominees, capturing the raw emotion behind the honors.

For some, the news came while they were blissfully unaware. For others, it interrupted work or a leisurely afternoon. But the common thread? Gratitude and genuine surprise.

Shailene Woodley’s Lash Lift Discovery

Shailene Woodley, nominated for Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Hulu’s Paradise, was caught completely off guard. She told Variety she was in the middle of a spontaneous lash lift—her first ever—when her phone started buzzing. “I ended up being on a bed with my eyes shut for an hour and a half, and my girlfriend was like, ‘Your phone is blowing up,’” she recalled. “So I found out with my eyes shut and had some blind FaceTimes with some friends.”

It’s a moment straight out of a celebrity comedy, but Woodley was deeply moved. “I love what I do so much, and not that awards are the reason for what I do, but I don’t know how I couldn’t feel like a little girl in this moment,” she added.

Sepideh Moafi Cries Over a Historic Nomination

Over on HBO Max’s The Pitt, Sepideh Moafi was overcome with emotion. Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, she learned through Variety that she is the first person of Middle Eastern descent to be recognized in this category. “My brain is—I feel like it’s going to fall off,” she said, fighting tears.

Moafi, who joined the show in its second season as Dr. Al-Hashimi, shared that the nomination was especially meaningful given her family history. Her parents were with her when she found out. “It’s incredible,” she said. “It’s the way it can empower so many other people to see a path paved.” She also praised the show’s ecosystem, saying the recognition belongs to the entire cast and crew.

Jonathan Pryce Wakes Up to Jokes About ‘Love Island’

Veteran actor Jonathan Pryce, nominated for Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, was woken from an after-lunch nap with the news. The 79-year-old kept his humor intact, joking about joining reality dating franchise Love Island. “I was woken up from an after-lunch doze to be told, so I’m thrilled,” he said.

But Pryce also touched on a deeper issue: the lack of diverse roles for older actors. “I suppose I would like to do more work where there wasn’t a certain kind of affliction,” he admitted. He praised Slow Horses for giving him a compelling character that wasn’t defined by illness.

The Women of ‘The Pitt’ Share Emotional Reactions

Katherine LaNasa, also nominated for The Pitt, was shooting Season 3 when the nominations were announced. She learned from her husband and then from co-star Patrick Ball, who walked into the break room with a big smile. “He seemed so happy, and I was like, ‘Did you get nominated?’ He goes, ‘I think everyone here got nominated,’” she recalled.

LaNasa, a 40-year veteran of the industry, was deeply moved. “It’s so much more than I ever thought I would receive,” she said. “After 40 years, it becomes very tiring.… But then to have the work be celebrated—I was like, ‘Oh, I didn’t even think about this part.’”

Patrick Ball, a first-time nominee, heard the news while shooting a scene at 6 a.m. The entire crew gathered around the central hub as showrunner Scott Gemmill read the long list of nominations. “We all got to celebrate together,” Ball said. “It was incredibly blessed.”

Double Nods and Career Highs

Colman Domingo received two nominations—for Euphoria and The Four Seasons. “I’m still in awe, always, that anyone calls my name for anything,” he said. He reflected on the emotional impact of Euphoria’s ending, noting how fans thank him for “avenging Rue.”

Domingo, who is on vacation in the Mediterranean, said he’s learned to appreciate the journey. “You never think it’ll keep getting higher, but it does,” he added.

Michael Urie’s FaceTime Tradition

Michael Urie, nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Shrinking, was woken up by co-star Jessica Williams—just as he was last year. “It’s sort of a fun tradition,” he said. Urie praised the show’s focus on mental health and the genius of Harrison Ford, who he says is “a genuine actor” who steals scenes.

Urie also teased Season 4, which picks up two years later, and revealed that Christian Slater has joined the cast, while Michael J. Fox will return.

Surprising Moments from the Subway

Even digital creators got their moment in the sun. Kareem Rahma and Andrew Kuo, creators of the web series SubwayTakes, were celebrating their nomination with martinis at a downtown Manhattan bar. “It started as both a joke… as well as a last-ditch effort for something to work,” Rahma said. “We actually believed in it, but we definitely never thought that an Emmy nomination would come out of it.”

Other Notable Reactions

• Linda Cardellini (nominated for DTF St. Louis) said she felt “elated and excited for everybody” after finding out on a text from her husband.
• Joy Sunday (also for DTF St. Louis) screamed in a corner at work and called her parents to explain what the Emmys are.
• Charles Melton (nominated for Beef) was in Paris with his family, drinking Coke Zero and planning a gelato run.

The 2026 Emmy Awards promise to be a night filled with emotion, history, and—if Jonathan Pryce has his way—maybe even a Love Island joke or two.

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