Emmy voters honored Rob Reiner last weekend by awarding him the Emmy for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in “The Bear.” This win comes nearly a year after his passing. Reiner’s posthumous recognition is significant, occurring 48 years after his first Emmy win for his role in Norman Lear’s sitcom “All in the Family.” This marks the longest interval between two acting awards in Television Academy history, surpassing the previous record held by his father, Carl Reiner.
In “The Bear,” Reiner played Albert Schnurr, a restaurant consultant. His win was announced at the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony on September 6. The audience gave a standing ovation as Wendi McLendon-Covey from ABC’s “The Goldbergs” accepted the award on Reiner’s behalf.
Reiner is the first actor to receive a posthumous Emmy for an on-camera role since Raúl Juliá did in 1995 for “The Burning Season.” Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner died at their home in Los Angeles last December.
Mariska Hargitay Takes on Emmy Host Role
Mariska Hargitay, known for “Law & Order: SVU,” is hosting the Emmys this year. This is the first time a woman hosts the show since 2011, when Jane Lynch took on the role. Hargitay is also nominated for her film “My Mom Jayne.” She discussed her excitement about hosting in an appearance on “The TODAY Show.”
Noah Wyle’s Potential Emmy Milestone
Actor Noah Wyle could make Emmy history by becoming the first person to win both an acting and directing award in the same year for a drama series. Wyle, who stars in and produces “The Pitt,” is up for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Best Directing for a Drama Series. He won the acting award last year and made his directing debut in Season 2 of “The Pitt.” Others, like Telly Savalas and Jason Bateman, have been nominated for both awards in previous years but have not won both in the same year.
New Inductees into the TV Academy Hall of Fame
The TV Academy Hall of Fame has inducted new members, including “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the late broadcaster Ed Bradley, actors Ted Danson and Jean Smart, documentary producer Sheila Nevins, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. In his speech, Parker expressed gratitude to “South Park” fans worldwide, stating they inspire those who question and think critically about different viewpoints.
Taylor Swift’s Eventful Year
Taylor Swift has had a notable year, with events such as a hall of fame induction, a wedding at Madison Square Garden, and an Emmy nomination. Swift was nominated for the Outstanding Variety Special for her work on “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour — The Final Show,” a Disney+ concert documentary. Despite five nominations, the special did not win. Fans anticipate her possible first Oscar nomination for a song in “Toy Story 5.” In June, Swift became the youngest female inductee into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame at 36. She married football player Travis Kelce in a highly-publicized ceremony.
Multiple Emmy Nominations for Stars
Jason Bateman leads the Emmy nominations this year with four, including two for acting, one for directing, and one for producing. Other actors with double nominations include Colman Domingo, Laurie Metcalf, Nick Offerman, and Matthew Rhys. Several other stars received multiple nominations across various categories, highlighting their versatile talents.
“Heated Rivalry” Show Ineligibility
“Heated Rivalry,” a queer hockey romance based on Rachel Reid’s books, is not eligible for Emmys this year. Produced in Canada for Crave, and aired in the U.S. on HBO Max, it is considered a foreign production. However, Connor Storrie received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting “Saturday Night Live.”
Unions Criticize Emmy Category Changes
The Television Academy moved five categories out of Monday’s ceremony to streamline the broadcast. These changes were criticized by unions like the Directors Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. The categories were presented earlier during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The unions condemned the decision to sideline these categories, arguing it undermines the recognition of artistic contributions.
NBC Celebrates a Milestone Year
The Emmys are airing on NBC during a significant year for the network, marking its 100th anniversary in 2026. NBC’s history includes broadcasting crucial moments like the first televised presidential appearance and World Series. Known for influential TV shows like “Seinfeld” and “Will & Grace,” NBC launched “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, which remains a staple of American comedy with the most Emmy wins at 94. This is NBC’s 26th time hosting the Emmys, more than any other network.