First-Time Nominees Receive Guidance from Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Debicki
Carrie Coon
The Gilded Age
Drink a lot of water. Really. Stay hydrated. There’s no guarantees there will be water when you actually get to the venue, either, right? Also, remember, it’s other people’s blessings, too. It is an honor to be nominated. Yes, there aren’t that many jobs right now. Yes, the industry has not really recovered post-strike, and all of us who are working recognize what a position of privilege it is where you have a job at all, right? The awards jockeying happens on the internet. Your life is happening in the room. Be present, meet actors and creators that you love, and be grateful and enjoy the evening.
Alan Cumming
The Traitors
The fact that you’re having to do it — the fact that you’re in the middle of it — is a great thing. The most awful thing is that when you don’t win, you get pity. It’s also good to be working on something else — when you have too much time to [campaign], it means you’re not really working.
Elizabeth Debicki
The Crown
Every chapter of it feels so surreal. It still feels very surreal today, but it felt so, so surreal last year [when nominated for The Crown]. Don’t overanalyze. It’s just lovely to have your work acknowledged. I think actors can really get in their own head quite quickly, and having been to the Emmys now and a few award shows, they’re so strange and wonderful. I just am always floored to meet people I love and tell them that their work is so wonderful.
Jon Hamm
Fargo
I remember being overwhelmed my first time. It’s a recognition by your peers. And I know we’re on the downside of Peak TV, but there’s still tons of TV out there, so to have your role or show or performance or whatever it is singled out of the multitudes is already a win. And then just enjoy the rest of it. I don’t think it’s why any of us really get into what we do, but it’s also quite fun. And when you look around, especially when you’re in a room, and you see who else you’re getting to share the experience with, it’s a very nice feeling.
This story first appeared in the July 31 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.