Jon Hamm has been disqualified from the Emmy guest drama actor race for “The Morning Show” after a clerical submission error. The mistake placed him in a guest category despite a Television Academy rule barring performers previously nominated in lead or suppor
By the time the ballots were released, Jon Hamm’s name was already in the wrong place.
He was entered for the Emmy guest drama actor race for his work in Apple TV’s “The Morning Show. ” but the Television Academy has since disqualified him after confirming a submission error. Hamm was submitted in the guest actor in a drama series category for his performance as Paul Marks in the show’s fourth season—despite the fact that he appears in only three episodes. fewer than half of the season’s run.
The problem wasn’t screen time. It was eligibility. An Emmy rule bars actors previously nominated in the lead or supporting categories from competing as a guest performer for the same role. In Hamm’s case, that rule was triggered because he was nominated for supporting drama actor in 2024.
The Television Academy introduced the restriction in January 2025. The change was designed to prevent performers who have been nominated for or won lead or supporting acting Emmys from submitting in the guest performer categories for the same role. Its impact has already been felt beyond “The Morning Show.”.
That same rule has effectively prevented actors such as Meryl Streep—nominated for supporting comedy actress for Season 3 of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building”—from submitting in either Seasons 4 or 5. Streep appears in less than 50% of both seasons.
The Television Academy’s approach doesn’t apply the same way to “Saturday Night Live” guest submissions. Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell. former “SNL” cast members who were nominated for Emmys during their tenure. are not barred under the same system. When “SNL” performers are entered for Emmy consideration. they are credited as playing “various characters.” But official Emmy credits list the NBC sketch comedy’s hosts simply as “host”—a wording that has drawn scrutiny from competing strategists and studios because it can create ambiguity and a loophole.
For Hamm, the Television Academy says the studio overlooked the rule. Apple TV’s team submitted him in the guest category anyway. and the Television Academy also missed the discrepancy during verification. Once ballots were released today. he was listed in the guest category—and his “Morning Show” work was then disqualified. meaning it cannot be voted on.
Even with this setback, the path to Emmy recognition for Hamm isn’t closed. He remains listed among contenders in lead drama actor for his other Apple show. “Your Friends and Neighbors.” He is also in contention for character voice-over performance for voicing Marvin Flute in the animated comedy “Grimsburg.”.
Hamm is no stranger to the awards circuit. He has been nominated for 18 Emmys across various categories and series. including the anthology series “Fargo. ” the comedy “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. ” and—most famously—the critically acclaimed drama “Mad Men. ” for his turn as ad man Don Draper. His sole Emmy win came in 2015 for lead drama actor.
For now, the guest race is one fewer contender—and for Hamm, the mistake came late enough that ballots had already gone out. Emmy nomination voting runs through June 22.
Jon Hamm Emmy The Morning Show Apple TV guest actor disqualified Television Academy rule Paul Marks Your Friends and Neighbors Grimsburg Marvin Flute Mad Men