Jovan Adepo
While the Watchmen actor—known to HBO viewers as Hooded Justice—is celebrating his first Emmy nomination this year for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, Adepo is no stranger to the big or small screen. His previous credits including Fences, mother!, The Leftovers, Jack Ryan and When They See Us. Fans can catch him next in CBS' The Stand, also starring Whoopi Goldberg, James Marsden and Amber Heard. "Thankful for those who push me to challenge myself," he wrote on Instagram in reaction to his nomination, "And through the biggest obstacles, see potential in me when I do not. I Love you. Congrats to all nominees (And my fellow FIRSTS)."
William Jackson Harper
Before earning his first Emmy nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for The Good Place, the man known as Chidi Anagonye on-screen had also starred in another breakout hit—Ari Aster's 2019 horror, Midsommar.
Shira Haas
The Israeli actress achieved breakout stardom in the United States thanks to her moving lead performance as Esther Shapiro in Netflix's Unorthodox. However, she had already earned critic acclaim in the form of three Israeli Academy Award nominations and one win. The 25-year-old's acting credits include roles in Natalie Portman's A Tale of Love and Darkness, as well as The Zookeeper's Wife and Mary Magdalene. Now, she's up for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
"I am so happy and so lucky to have had the privilege of portraying this character and to be nominated for it," she wrote on social media in honor of her Emmy nomination. "Thank you to everyone who took part in the show and made this happen. Thank you to everyone who shared their love. I feel it all. I'm truly grateful."
Jeremy Pope
Before he was playing an aspiring screenwriter in a prejudiced show business for Netflix's Hollywood, the acting newcomer was joining history as the sixth person to be nominated for two Tony Awards in two categories for separate performances in 2019. The Ain't Too Proud alum, who also has a Grammy nod to his name, is now a first-time Emmy nominee and up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Paul Mescal
At 24 years old, the Irish actor has made a name for himself in the United States thanks to his Emmy-nominated performance in Hulu's Normal People. Mescal, who started out as a stage actor, also stars in the mystery thriller, The Deceived, and has been cast in Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, The Lost Daughter.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
The first-time Emmy nominee has been a familiar face to audiences for a few years now thanks to his roles in The Get Down, Baywatch, The Greatest Showman, Aquaman and Us. And fans will get to see the Watchmen star in many more highly anticipated projects in the coming years, including as the lead in Nia DaCosta's Candyman, as well as Netflix's The Trial of the Chicago 7.