The 2019 Emmy nominations left some jumping for joy and others brooding in disappointment. Whether you agreed with the Emmy nominations or not, though, you have to admit: there's nothing more exciting than a first-time nominee, and the 2019 Emmys are stacked with them. From Billy Porter of Pose to Jharrel Jerome and Asante Blackk from the Ava Duvernay-directed When They See Us, the 2019 Emmy nominations are showing plenty of recognition for both newcomers and veterans, with a fair amount of each representing for first-time acting nominees. Netflix, HBO, FX, and more brought you incredible shows with incredible performances over the last year, and actors from Game of Thrones, Killing Eve, and are nominated at this weekend's 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Make sure to tune in, but while you're waiting, check out our list of 10 of this year's first-time acting nominees.
Category: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Series: Killing Eve (BBC America)
BBC America’s Killing Eve was a surprise early hit, racking up some of the best ratings cable television had seen in a while during its first season. Its critical raves are especially centered on the lead roles of Eve and Villanelle, played by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, respectively, and the latter has received her first Emmy nomination. Comer’s Villanelle is an assassin obsessed with Oh’s British intelligence agent Eve; whether or not this obsession is platonic, sexual, or murderous is the beauty in this unpredictable and remarkable performance that is now being recognized by the Emmys.