Time to celebrate! The 2016 Emmy Awards nominations were announced on Thursday, July 14, and the honored stars sharing their gratitude included Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington (Jon Snow) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), both first-time nominees, along with the cast of The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Anthony Anderson and Lauren Graham announced the nominations during a presentation from the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center, and Anderson screamed when Graham read his name, marking his second consecutive nomination for best lead actor in a comedy series for ABC’s Black-ish. Game of Thrones led the way with 23 nominations, followed by People v. O.J.‘s 22. HBO garnered 94 nominations, the most of any network.
Harington, who was finally nominated in Game of Thrones‘ sixth season for his key role as the not-quite-dead Jon Snow, said in a statement, “It is a serious understatement to say that I am somewhat stunned. For my work on Game of Thrones to be recognized in this way is an emotional moment for me. I could not be more humbled.”
Bob Odenkirk landed his second consecutive nom for best lead actor in a drama series for his role as James McGill/Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul, and he credited voters for not trying to put the Breaking Bad spinoff in a box.
“Wow! I am blown away!” Odenkirk said in a statement. “I am surrounded by excellence on Better Call Saul, and to be picked out of that lineup is a crazy honor. This unique show, with no genre behind it — just honest character exploration — surprises me over and over. The fact that TV fans and critics are welcoming this unpredictable journey, it’s simply inspiring. Thank you.”
Luther star Idris Elba said he was “floored” after earning his nomination for lead actor in a miniseries or movie. Luther is also in the running for TV movie.
“I am floored that I’ve been nominated, but I am even more excited that Luther has been nominated as well,” he said. “The success of Luther is so much due to the fans, and I hope they are as proud of this nomination as we are. OH BOY! What a category!”
See tweets from other nominees below.
jus on ft with me mam and twitter pops up telling me i’ve been nominated for an emmy. Wtfahhahhaahhelpme
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) July 14, 2016
When we finished the incredible journey of creating this groundbreaking project, The People v.… https://t.co/L8G1cGZxdP
— Courtney B. Vance (@CourtneyBVance) July 14, 2016
Thank you! We have a really good shot at beating lemonade right? Hello? https://t.co/roHz1NHdax
— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) July 14, 2016
Wow, again, what an honor. Thank you @televisionacademy! https://t.co/tTuuFyzmiP
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 14, 2016
CONGRATS LADY!!!! Hope you’re having a wonderful time away xxxxxxxxxx
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) July 14, 2016
So honored to be receiving MY FIRST EMMY NOMINATION! Thank you @TelevisionAcad & congrats to all the other nominees! Go #ACSFX ?
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) July 14, 2016
O.M.F.G an #EmmyNomination?? I am losing my mind in #France! Thank you everyone!! @TheEmmys DREAM COME TRUE! #UnREALtv
— Constance Zimmer (@ConstanceZimmer) July 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/Middleditch/status/753625296016781312
I’m so overwhelmed with happiness right now. I never would have imagined this was possible. Win or lose this is for you Jimmy Mac #Emmys
— Tracy Morgan (@RealTracyMorgan) July 14, 2016
