British and Irish actors made a high-profile showing at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, with Aimee Lou Wood, Sharon Horgan and Gwendoline Christie among the leading names on the red carpet as several homegrown productions and performers competed for major prizes.
Wood, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on HBO’s The White Lotus, and Horgan, up for both writing and lead actress honors for Bad Sisters, joined Christie, who received a nomination in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series category for Severance. Their appearances capped a night that featured a wide cross-section of nominees from Britain and Ireland, as shows such as The White Lotus, The Penguin and the limited series Adolescence received multiple nods.
Wood arrived in a pale pink and red satin gown with a sweetheart neckline and a long train. Horgan wore a black sheer, cut-out gown with lace and chiffon elements, while Christie opted for a pale pink power suit. Other attendees included singer Rita Ora, who walked the carpet with husband Taika Waititi, Severance creator Charlie Brooker alongside co-writer Bisha K. Ali, and a number of actors from White Lotus and the breakout limited series Adolescence.
Adolescence, a Netflix limited series that drew attention for its performances and writing, led a slate of young talent at the ceremony. Fifteen-year-old Owen Cooper, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, could become the youngest male acting winner in Emmy history if he prevails. Cooper, who plays Jamie Miller in the series, said ahead of the ceremony that he would "never forget this for the rest of my life" and acknowledged the prospect of breaking the record. The current record-holder, Scott Jacoby, won Best Supporting Actor at age 16 in 1973.
Adolescence received multiple nominations across acting and writing categories, including credits for co-creator and co-writer Stephen Graham, who is himself nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor and for writing in a limited series. Erin Doherty earned a nomination in the supporting category for her one-take scene as a child psychologist in the series, a scene that drew critical praise.
HBO’s The White Lotus was among the most-nominated programs this year, collecting more than 20 nominations across categories. Aimee Lou Wood is one of several performers from the show recognized in supporting and guest categories. White Lotus cast members present at the ceremony included Sam Nivola, the son of actors Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola, and Walton Goggins, who attended with his wife Nadia Conners.
Colin Farrell, nominated for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in The Penguin, was another prominent Irish nominee. Farrell earlier this year won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for the same role.
The red carpet also featured a number of British television veterans and emerging stars. Gary Oldman, nominated for Lead Actor for Slow Horses, arrived with his wife Gisele Schmidt. Scottish performer Alan Cumming and Welsh actor Gerran Howell were among those who made appearances. Several British and Irish creatives were represented in writing and directing categories: Charlie Brooker and Bisha K. Ali were nominated for their work on season six of Black Mirror, and Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham were nominated in writing for Adolescence.
The awards season landscape this year highlighted a mixture of established shows and new entries. Severance, The White Lotus, The Penguin, Adolescence and The Pitt were among the dramas that received multiple nominations across acting, writing and directing categories. Comedy and limited-series categories likewise included a blend of veteran and first-time nominees, with programs such as Abbott Elementary, Hacks and The Bear competing in the comedy field.
Wood addressed public scrutiny she has faced since her White Lotus role in recent interviews, telling British GQ that she had experienced bouts of insecurity and impostor syndrome and that some commentary about her appearance had affected her. Her remarks came after a season in which the show and its cast drew intense attention from critics and viewers alike.
As the Emmy ballots were tallied, the ceremony underscored the global reach of television production and the continued prominence of British and Irish talent on the world stage. Winners were set to be announced as the show proceeded through the evening, capping an awards season notable for both veteran performers seeking additional recognition and younger artists making their first major awards appearances.