TV’s double threats: 10 actors eyeing nominations for both comedy and drama at the 2025 Emmys
The 2025 Emmys could have viewers seeing double when nominations are announced on July 15. This year, several of TV's most versatile stars — true double threats — are vying for spots in both comedy and drama categories. From Catherine O'Hara's wildly contrasting roles in The Studio and The Last of Us to Jon Hamm's dual turn in Your Friends and Neighbors and his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, the race is shaping up to celebrate TV's finest multidimensional talent.
Historically, it’s not uncommon for an actor to score two Emmy nominations in a single year — but being recognized for both a dramatic and comedic performance in the same year is far rarer, and winning both is nearly unheard of. In fact, only two actors have ever managed a double victory of this caliber: Colleen Dewhurst (Murphy Brown and Those She Left Behind in 1989) and Allison Janney (Mom and Masters of Sex in 2014).
Using Gold Derby's latest odds, we've rounded up this year's most likely double nominees for comedy and drama — showcasing performances that stand out for both laughter and heartbreak.
Catherine O'Hara
Photo: Apple TV+/HBO
The two-time Emmy winner (Schitt's Creek, STCV) is back in the spotlight — and doubling her chances — with two standout roles: as Gail Lynden, a resilient therapist in HBO's post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us, and Patty Leigh, the hilariously chaotic former head of Continental Studios in Apple TV+'s new comedy The Studio. O'Hara is positioned well in both races, currently ranked second for Best Drama Guest Actress, trailing her The Last of Us costar Kaitlyn Dever, and third for Best Comedy Supporting Actress, behind Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) and Liza Colon-Zayas (The Bear).
Walton Goggins
Photo: HBO
The two-time Emmy nominee (Fallout, Justified) is seeking his first statuette from the TV Academy — and his best chance comes with HBO's red-hot The White Lotus. Goggins is currently the frontrunner for Best Drama Supporting Actor for his compelling turn as Rick Hatchett in Mike White's celebrated mystery series. But he could also nab a nomination for comedy, with two opportunities to break into the race: Best Comedy Supporting Actor for his scene-stealing role as Baby Billy in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones (where he's ranked 12th) and Best Guest Comedy Actor for his memorable hosting stint on NBC's Saturday Night Live (currently ranked 18th).
Julianne Nicholson
Photo: Max/Disney
A previous Emmy winner for her heartbreaking performance in HBO's limited series Mare of Easttown, Nicholson is now turning heads in comedy. Her best shot this year comes with her hilarious portrayal of "Dance Mom" in Max's Emmy-winning comedy series Hacks, where she’s currently ranked second in the Best Comedy Guest Actress race, just behind reigning champ Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear). On the drama side, Nicholson is also in contention for her role in Hulu's political thriller Paradise, playing the complex and morally conflicted Sinatra opposite Sterling K. Brown. She currently ranks 12th for Best Drama Supporting Actress.
Steve Carell
Photo: Netflix/HBO
An 11-time Emmy nominee including both comedic and dramatic performances (The Office, The Morning Show), Carell is no stranger to accolades — but he’s still chasing his first win. This year, he’s back in contention with two standout performances: as the conflicted Nick in Netflix’s comedy The Four Seasons and for his emotionally charged (and darkly comedic, but let's call it dramatic) turn as Randall in HBO’s TV movie Mountainhead. Carell is currently ranked eighth for Best Comedy Actor and and 10th for Best Movie/Limited Series Actor.
Kaitlin Olson
Photo: Max/Disney
The three-time Emmy nominee (Hacks, Flipped) has been recognized twice before for her role as DJ Vance in Hacks, so it’s no surprise Olson is back in the conversation — this time ranked fifth for Best Comedy Guest Actress. However, Olson is also making waves on the drama side, ranked 10th in Best Drama Actress for her portrayal of Morgan Gillory, an intellectually gifted cleaning lady who becomes a police consultant, in ABC’s High Potential.
Uzo Aduba
Photo: Netflix/Hulu
A three-time Emmy winner (Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America), Aduba is a perennial awards favorite. This year, she’s vying for recognition in two standout roles: as Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric detective bringing laughs and intrigue in Netflix’s comedy series The Residence, and as Clarice, a perfectionist pianist navigating the complexities of her marriage in Hulu’s The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. Aduba is currently ranked ninth for Best Comedy Actress and 12th for Best Movie/Limited Series Actress.
Jon Bernthal
Photo: FX/Disney
Hot off his Emmy win last year for The Bear, Bernthal is back to defend his title as Best Comedy Guest Actor, currently ranked second behind Bryan Cranston (The Studio). Once again, he portrays Mikey Berzatto, the troubled but charismatic older brother of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Natalie (Abby Elliott), whose battle with drug addiction and tragic death loom heavily over the series. Bernthal is also a dark-horse contender for Best Drama Guest Actor, where he’s ranked 26th for his brooding performance as Frank Castle/Punisher in Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again.
Natasha Rothwell
Photo: Hulu/HBO
Returning to her Emmy-nominated role as Belinda in Season 3 of The White Lotus, Rothwell was even more captivating in Thailand than she was in Hawaii. She’s currently ranked fifth in the race for Best Drama Supporting Actress. Simultaneously, Rothwell shines in Hulu’s critically acclaimed comedy series How to Die Alone, where she stars as Mel, "a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at JFK Airport," making Rothwell a dark-horse contender for Best Comedy Actress.
Harrison Ford
Photo: Apple TV+/Paramount+
Hollywood legend Harrison Ford is still waiting for his first Emmy nomination, and this year he has two strong opportunities to break through. His best shot is for Apple TV+’s comedy series Shrinking, where he delivers a moving and humorous performance as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist navigating life with Parkinson's disease. Recent nods from the Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards could help bolster his Emmy chances. Ford is also in the mix for his powerful dramatic turn as Jacob Dutton in 1923, Paramount+'s Yellowstone prequel from Taylor Sheridan. Currently, Ford ranks second for Best Comedy Supporting Actor behind Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), and 38th for Best Drama Actor.