Fans of the Fox sitcom The Last Man On Earth have to be excited for the announcement of this year’s Emmy nominations on July 14. The show feels like a solid bet for an outstanding comedy series nod and co-stars Will Forte and Kristen Schaal have to have some momentum behind them for acting recognition as well.
But if you feel like Jason Sudeikis, who plays Forte’s character’s brother, is also a shoo-in, we have some bad news. Turns out Sudeikis was submitted as a potential nominee for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series. But according to Variety, Sudeikis is disqualified in that category because he appeared in too many episodes, per Academy rules.
“It is the decision of the entrant whether to enter as a lead, supporting or guest performer. However, only performers appearing in less than 50% of the eligible episodes are able to submit in the Guest Performer categories.”
Sudeikis was in 11 of Season 2’s 18 episodes. I was told by the Uproxx higher-ups that there would be no math here but that’s clearly more than 50 percent. And it’s too late to go back and get Sudeikis involved in the best supporting actor category seeing as how voting is well underway already. Bummer.
This rule only recently came into effect after Orange Is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba won outstanding guest performance in a comedy series based on appearing in 11 of the 2014 season’s 13 episodes. She was officially shifted to the supporting actress category last year, and she took that one home as well.
No word yet on whether Sudeikis will be back for the next season of The Last Man On Earth. If he is, now everyone involved hopefully understands exactly where to position him to be honored for his work.
(via Variety)