Adam Patla
The seven nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series come from just three series– The White Lotus with three nominees (Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Sam Rockwell), Severance with three nominees (Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, and John Turturro), and Paradise with one (James Marsden). Of the seven, three are first time nominees (Cherry, Tillman, and Isaacs) and one is a previous winner (Turturro).
Zach Cherry
Nominated For: Severance
Previous Nominations: First Nomination
Hidden Gem: Search Party
Zach Cherry got his start in the Upright Citizens Brigade back in 2017 before going on to take supporting and minor roles in You, Crashing, and Succession. He went on to star as Klev in two entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Regardless of the project or size of the role, Cherry brings a signature dry wit that steals whatever scene he’s in.
He brings that signature wit and coats it in a complicated melancholy with his role as Dylan on Severance. Dylan’s story unfurls much more deeply on this latest season and Cherry flexes his acting muscles in ways that we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing yet, earning him a well-deserved first Emmy nomination.
Walton Goggins
Nominated For: The White Lotus
Previous Nominations: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Justified (2011), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Fallout (2024)
Hidden Gem: The Righteous Gemstones
Walton Goggins is no stranger to a complicated character. His resume is filled with a wide array of characters, many working through a dark, heavy burden that colors their present deeply. He’s certainly not afraid to play flawed, unlikeable people either. He’s left his unforgettable mark on many popular series like The Shield, Justified, and Fallout; each performance is so quintessentially Goggins but each very unique in the way they’re crafted.
His performance as Rick in The White Lotus is one of a man seeking closure on a self-destructive path that ultimately ends in tragedy that showcases the very best of what Goggins can do.
Jason Isaacs
Nominated For: The White Lotus
Previous Nominations: First Nomination
Hidden Gem: The Death of Stalin
Jason Isaacs is quite well known for his impressive roster of villainous roles on screen from the Harry Potter films, to Captain Hook, to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Isaac brings a commanding presence to the screen that can send a shiver up and down your spine. Beyond villains, Isaacs has also appeared in The OA, The Great, and Star Trek: Discovery.
Isaacs reveals a newer side to himself in The White Lotus as the patriarch of the Ratliff family, Timothy. Rather than his usual, chilly persona, Isaacs showcases a man who will completely unravel at any given moment.
James Marsden
Nominated For: Paradise
Previous Nominations: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Jury Duty (2024)
Hidden Gem: Dead to Me
James Marsden began charming audiences with guest appearances on major shows like Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Touched by an Angel, and Party of Five. Marsden’s star rose when he joined the X-Men series as Cyclops. He’s also known for appearing as the man our protagonist takes the girl from in The Notebook, Superman Returns, and Enchanted.
Throughout his career, Marsden dazzled in both dramas and comedies, but his work in Paradise allows the actor to sink his teeth into his most intricate role yet. Marsden infuses the complicated President Bradford with a humanity that makes him all the more complicated and the performance all the more unforgettable.
Sam Rockwell
Nominated For: The White Lotus
Previous Nominations: Outstanding Limited Series (as producer) – Fosse/Verdon (2019), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Fosse/Verdon (2019)
Hidden Gem: Moon
Sam Rockwell has steadily churned out memorable character work for over thirty years. He’s made memorable turns in myriad genres like The Green Mile, Charlie’s Angels, and Frost/Nixon. He propelled to wider recognition with his Academy Award-winning performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. He again went on to make waves in 2019 with Fosse/Verdon, playing the iconic and complicated Bob Fosse.
Rockwell made his mark with a rich resume containing complicated scene stealers. A performer refusing to be contained by genre, Rockwell brings a deep humanity to whatever role he tackles that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Tramell Tillman
Nominated For: Severance
Previous Nominations: First Nomination
Hidden Gem: Good Night, Oscar
Tramell Tillman did not originally plan to be an actor. Before pivoting to acting, Tillman maintained a career in the nonprofit world. Tillman steadily worked in theatre after his pivot including the Chicago run of Good Night, Oscar with Sean Hayes. His first onscreen major role came in the AMC series Dietland as Steven. He appeared in a recurring role of the first season of Godfather of Harlem and a guest star role in Elementary before landing his breakout role as Mr. Milchick on Severance. Since landing on AppleTV’s smash hit, he’s gone on to appear in films like Sweethearts and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.
Tillman’s uneasy charm has made Milchick a standout role since Severance‘s debut; he’s only continued to deepen the character in the second season, diving deeper into an enigmatic man trying to operate in a system not built with him in mind. Tillman is equal parts dazzling and disturbing and will surely be a mainstay at these award shows for years to come.
John Turturro
Nominated For: Severance
Previous Nominations: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series – Monk (2004, won), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – The Night Of (2017), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Severance (2022), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Hidden Gem: Margot at the Wedding
John Turturro boasts an extensive resume across film and television, frequently collaborating with the Spike Lee and the Coen brothers. His big break came with Five Corners before he went on to appear in major films such as Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Bues, Barton Fink, and Quiz Show.
Turturro took home his first Emmy for his appearance in Monk. He’s also appeared in two HBO miniseries– The Night Of and The Plot Against America. His gentle and endearing work in Severance as Irving made him a fan-favorite among viewers.
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