How Hollywood’s Veterans Are Chasing Emmy History: Sally Field, Harrison Ford, Martin Short and More

As the 2024 Emmy Awards approach, a notable trend emerges: the spotlight is firmly on Hollywood veterans striving to carve new milestones in Emmy history. Unlike previous seasons that favored emerging talent, this year’s nominations celebrate actors and actresses with decades-long careers, many chasing their first or historic wins.

Among the most prominent is Harrison Ford, who at 84 years old will be competing for his first major acting Emmy for his role in Apple TV’s comedy series "Shrinking." Should he succeed, Ford not only would claim his inaugural Emmy after a six-decade screen career but also break the record for the oldest winner in a comedy acting category—a title currently held by Henry Winkler, who was 72 when he won in 2018. Ford’s potential triumph would also edge out Bob Newhart, who won at age 84 but narrowly younger than Ford’s Emmy night age.

In a remarkable alignment, Stephen Root, aged 74, is also nominated in the same comedy category for "Widow’s Bay." With a prolific career spanning over 250 credits but no prior Emmy wins, Root could surpass Winkler’s age record if victorious. This unique scenario, where two actors older than the existing record compete in the same category, underscores the season’s reverence for seasoned performers.

The lead comedy actor category further exemplifies this veteran focus. Martin Short, 76, secures his fifth consecutive nomination for Hulu’s "Only Murders in the Building," seeking his first Emmy win after eight total nominations. A victory would establish him as the oldest lead comedy actor winner, surpassing Eugene Levy, who won at 73 in 2020. His competition includes Steve Carell, 64, who, despite six prior nominations for "The Office" and one for "The Morning Show," has yet to win an acting Emmy. Carell’s ongoing pursuit of his first win adds narrative tension to the category.

Women contenders of advanced age also feature prominently this year. Sally Field, age 79, returns to prominence with a nomination for the adaptation of "Remarkably Bright Creatures." Her nomination marks a return after her last Emmy win in 2007 and positions her to become the oldest winner in the limited series or TV movie category if successful. Similarly, Youn Yuh-jung, also 79, stands out as a trailblazer. Already an Oscar winner for "Minari," she earned her first Emmy nomination for the anthology series "Beef." A win would make her the first Korean actress to win a Primetime acting Emmy and the first to hold both Oscar and Emmy acting honors, highlighting a significant cross-cultural achievement.

Michelle Pfeiffer, 68, who has traditionally been celebrated for her film work, receives a second career Emmy nomination for "Margo’s Got Money Troubles," signaling a pivotal moment in her television trajectory. Meanwhile, Dale Dickey, 64, achieves her first Emmy nomination for supporting comedy in "Widow’s Bay," a recognition decades in the making given her extensive and acclaimed supporting roles.

Character actors and reliable supporting players also earn distinction. Jeff Kober, 72, garners a guest drama nomination for his understated yet impactful performance in HBO Max’s "The Pitt," alongside a Daytime Emmy nomination for "General Hospital," where he previously won. Richard Jenkins, 79, nominated for supporting limited series in "DTF St. Louis," could become the second-oldest winner in his category, trailing only the late Paul Newman.

One of the most poignant nominations is the posthumous nod for Rob Reiner, who passed away at 78 in late 2023. Recognized for his guest comedy role in FX’s "The Bear," Reiner’s potential win would mark the longest span between Emmy acting victories—48 years since his last win. This recognition also reflects the Television Academy’s rare gesture of honoring posthumous on-camera performances.

The 2024 Emmy slate vividly illustrates an industry reckoning with its veteran talent, many of whom have long been regarded as supporting players rather than leads. The nominations suggest a nostalgic and respectful turn toward honoring sustained excellence and lifetime achievement on screen.

Predictions for this year’s winners highlight "The Pitt" for drama and "Widow’s Bay" for comedy as frontrunners among series. In limited series and movie categories, Netflix’s "Beef" and "Remarkably Bright Creatures" are expected to perform strongly. Individual acting awards could see Noah Wyle, Matthew Rhys, and Oscar Isaac among the top contenders in their respective categories.

As the ceremony unfolds on September 14, the potential for several Emmy records to be shattered by seasoned performers will be a defining storyline. Whether these veterans will finally convert long histories of nominations into wins remains to be seen, but their presence ensures this awards season is as much about legacy as it is about current acclaim.