Latest news with #Bledel
Elle
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Emily Makes a Long-Awaited Return in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Series Finale
Spoilers below. The Handmaid's Tale has put us through the wringer throughout its final season (and the whole series, really), but luckily, not all of the surprises have been brutal. In this week's season 6 finale—the show's final episode—June (Elisabeth Moss) and viewers at home were treated to Emily's (Alexis Bledel) shocking but welcome return. The character, who was introduced in the show's first season, was written off after season 4 when Bledel stepped away from the series. In season 5, Emily's wife, Sylvia (Clea DuVall), tells June that Emily returned to Gilead on a personal mission to seek revenge and find Aunt Lydia. Since then, she's been missing in action, until this week's finale scene, where Emily and June reunite and take a walk together in a freed Boston. 'It was an immediate yes,' Bledel told The Hollywood Reporter of returning to Handmaid's for the finale. 'It felt right to bring closure to Emily's journey and offer the audience a sense of completion. Bruce put together such a kind and talented group, and so many of the original crew were still there in season six. The production runs like a well-oiled machine — everyone brings their best. I'm excited to see what they create in [sequel series] The Testaments.' Bledel added, 'I hope viewers take away to keep hope alive when things seem impossible. Even if it seems like seeds you plant couldn't possibly grow, plant seeds of hope anyway. You never know; they might find a way.' The actress announced her departure from The Handmaid's Tale in May 2022, ahead of the season 5 premiere. 'After much thought, I felt I had to step away from 'The Handmaid's Tale' at this time,' she told Variety in a statement. 'I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support.' At the time, Moss told Entertainment Tonight that Bledel's exit 'wasn't the easiest thing in the world to handle, I'll be honest with you, because she's such a great, fantastic part of the show. But I do think that it was handled in a really good way.' Years later, the star, director, and executive producer opened up about bringing Bledel—and Emily—back to Handmaid's for its emotional conclusion. 'Bruce talked to me about bringing her back a while ago, before there was even an outline or script,' Moss told THR. 'I think I said to him at the time, 'You realize now that you've told me that, we have to do it.' It's not the easiest thing in the world to call an actor and be like, 'Can you come back for this one episode?' They're busy. But I was like, 'She has to do it.' I get very passionate about these things! And she wanted to do it from the beginning. She didn't need convincing at all. My first official scene on day one [on set] was with Alexis. So it meant a lot to get to work with her again.' That surprise cameo meant a lot to fans, too. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Erica Gonzales is the Deputy Editor, Culture at where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Handmaid's Tale' Emmy Plans: Elisabeth Moss' Surprise Directing Episode Choice, Alexis Bledel Goes for Guest Actress Despite New Rules (EXCLUSIVE)
Blessed be the Emmys rulebook, but it needs some serious updating. With 'The Handmaid's Tale' having taken its final bow, Hulu has confirmed its official Emmy submissions for the critically acclaimed drama, with one entry in particular already causing waves. More from Variety Elisabeth Moss on Saying Goodbye to 'Handmaid's Tale' (for Now), How Motherhood Changed Her Approach to June and That Perfect Ending: 'Television Gold' 'Running Point' Costume Designer on Kate Hudson's Power Suits: 'Why Not Have Her Femininity Be Her Superpower?' Elisabeth Moss on Coming Full-Circle in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Finale: 'I Can't Imagine It Ending Any Other Way' Variety has learned exclusively that the streamer has submitted Alexis Bledel in the guest drama actress category for her appearance in the series finale ('610 – The Handmaid's Tale'), despite a newly enforced Emmy rule disqualifying actors who have been previously nominated in a lead or supporting category for the same show. Bledel won the Emmy for guest in 2017, and garnered two additional noms in the same category in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2018, after appearing in seven of the 13 episodes for a season, she was ineligible to compete as a guest; she was submitted and eventually nominated for supporting drama actress. The one-year recognition for her character, Ofglen, appears to fall outside the bounds of eligibility, but the streamer is hopeful the TV Academy will consider her circumstances. Insiders say Hulu expects the TV Academy to reclassify Bledel's submission to supporting drama actress before ballots are opened on June 12. But as of now, no decision has been issued. The rule aims to clarify what defines a 'guest' star. According to the new guidelines, any actor previously nominated in a lead or supporting role for a series can no longer be considered a guest, regardless of how briefly they appear in the series' new season. The policy has already drawn industry-wide criticism and confusion. Meryl Streep, for instance, was ruled ineligible for guest consideration for her turn in Hulu's 'Only Murders in the Building' — despite appearing in just four episodes — and will instead compete in the supporting comedy actress category due to her previous nom. Meanwhile, Paul Rudd, playing a new character in the same series, was nearly eligible as a guest but was in one episode too many, exposing inconsistencies with the changes. The guidelines have created more ambiguity than clarity. There should be a fundamental difference between a major series lead attempting to go guest and a long-time supporting player who has only occasionally appeared in a new season. Industry voices argue that the change unfairly penalizes performers with limited screen time who have previously been recognized — especially when those appearances are few and far between. Some believe this growing backlash will prompt the Emmys to consider revisions ahead of future cycles. Despite the rule conflict, 'The Handmaid's Tale' still remains a formidable force in this year's Emmy race. The drama, which concluded its six-season run on Monday, has garnered 76 nominations and 15 wins over its lifetime — including a historic outstanding drama series win in its first season, the first ever for a streaming platform. This year, Hulu submitted 36 entries for the show across both Primetime and Creative Arts categories. Notable acting entries include Elisabeth Moss for lead actress and for helming the penultimate episode, 'Execution,' which is somewhat surprising considering long-running shows often reserve their final episodes for consideration. However, the episode that sees many favorite characters' shocking deaths is more visually striking, partnered with June screaming, 'Don't let the bastards grind you down' as she's being hanged. In addition, Bradley Whitford, Max Minghella, and O-T Fagbenle will vie in the supporting actor race, while Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, and Ann Dowd will seek love in supporting actress. Guest actress submissions beyond Bledel include Emmy winners Cherry Jones (episode 602) and D'Arcy Carden (episode 608). Hulu's complete 2025 Emmy submission list for 'The Handmaid's Tale' includes: Variety Awards Circuit: Outstanding Drama Series: Bruce Miller, Eric Tuchman, Yahlin Chang, Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, and others. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Elisabeth Moss Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Bradley Whitford, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Josh Charles, Sam Jaeger, Timothy Simons Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Yvonne Strahovski, Ann Dowd, Samira Wiley, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Ever Carradine Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Alexis Bledel (610), Cherry Jones (602), D'Arcy Carden (608) Craft and Creative Arts CategoriesOutstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Elisabeth Moss (609) Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: 'Exodus' – Yahlin Chang (608) 'Execution' – Eric Tuchman (609) 'The Handmaid's Tale' – Bruce Miller (610) Outstanding Cinematography: Nicola Daley (608), Stuart Biddlecombe (610) Outstanding Production Design: Elisabeth Williams and team (608) Outstanding Contemporary Costumes: Leslie Kavanagh and team (608) Outstanding Makeup (Non-Prosthetic): Burton LeBlanc and team (607) Outstanding Music Composition: Adam Taylor (609) Outstanding Music Supervision: Maggie Phillips, Brittany Whyte (602) Outstanding Sound Editing: Full team listed (609) Outstanding Sound Mixing: Full team listed (609) Outstanding Stunt Coordination: Brian Jagersky Outstanding Stunt Performance: Ensemble (609) Outstanding Special Visual Effects: Mavericks VFX (610) Outstanding Picture Editing: Wendy Hallam Martin (609) Outstanding Casting: Sharon Bialy, Russell Scott, Sherry Thomas, Robin D. Cook Short Form SubmissionOutstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series: 'The Handmaid's Tale: The End of an Epic' Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Emmy Predictions: Apple, Netflix Lead the Pack as FYC Events Roll On Including 2,100+ Waiting List for HBO Max's Hit Series 'The Pitt' Emmy Predictions: Guest Acting (Comedy, Drama) - Scene-Stealers, Sleeper Hits and One Lucky Charm With Beau Bridges
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alexis Bledel Withdraws From Emmy Race for ‘The Handmaid's Tale' Due to New Guest Actor Rules (EXCLUSIVE)
Alexis Bledel has withdrawn herself from Emmy consideration for 'The Handmaid's Tale' following rule changes to the guest acting categories. Bledel, who plays Dr. Emily Malek/Ofglen in the Hulu drama, had been submitted for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her appearance in the series finale, '610 – The Handmaid's Tale.' However, due to a newly enforced Emmy rule disqualifying actors previously nominated in a lead or supporting category for the same show, the Television Academy notified Bledel and her team that she would be moved to the supporting actress race. As a result, she opted to withdraw her name from consideration and will not appear on the nomination ballot when voting begins on June 12. More from Variety 'The Studio' and 'Hacks' Are Two of the Best Shows Ever About Hollywood - But Are They Too Inside or PTSD-Inducing? How 'The Studio,' 'Yellowjackets,' 'Monsters' and 'White Lotus' Make Bad Behavior Appealing Emmy Voters Don't Forget: The Powerful Women of 'The Righteous Gemstones' Bledel won the guest actress Emmy in 2017 and was nominated again in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, after appearing in seven of 13 episodes that season, she was deemed ineligible as a guest and was nominated instead in the supporting drama actress category. That's sole supporting drama actress nom has made her ineligible to compete in guest. The updated policy has sparked confusion and criticism across the industry. Meryl Streep, for example, will be ineligible for guest actress consideration for her role in Hulu's 'Only Murders in the Building,' despite appearing in just four of the 10 episodes. She will now compete in the supporting comedy actress category. Meanwhile, Paul Rudd was nearly eligible for guest actor in the same series but appeared in one episode too many. Rudd plays two different characters across Seasons 3 and 4: Ben Glenroy, a murdered Hollywood actor, and Glen Stubbins, his Irish-born former stunt double, used as a comedic twist in the upcoming season. A supporting drama actress awards run for her sole episode appearance would put her against her 'Handmaid's Tale' co-stars, in addition to multiple women from 'Andor,' 'Severance' and 'The White Lotus.' Despite Bledel's withdrawal, 'The Handmaid's Tale' still has 35 entries across both the Primetime and Creative Arts Emmy categories. Notable acting submissions include Elisabeth Moss for lead actress and for directing the penultimate episode, 'Execution.' Supporting actor submissions include Bradley Whitford, Max Minghella, and O-T Fagbenle, while Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley and Ann Dowd are entered in the supporting actress category. With Bledel out of the guest actress category, Hulu still has Emmy winner Cherry Jones for episode '602' and D'Arcy Carden for episode '608.' Since its debut, 'The Handmaid's Tale' has earned 76 Emmy nominations and 15 wins, including the historic outstanding drama series win in its first season, the first ever for a streaming platform. Awards Circuit: Emmys Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Sci-Fi Surges, FYC Crunch Pressure, and Comedy Category Shakeups Across 94 Races
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alexis Bledel withdraws from Emmy consideration for ‘The Handmaid's Tale' due to rule change
The new Emmy rule for guest eligibility has claimed its first victim. Alexis Bledel, who returned to The Handmaid's Tale for last week's series finale, only had a few minutes of screen time, so she understandably submitted in the Best Drama Guest Actress category for the upcoming Emmys. However, a 2025 addendum to the Emmys rulebook stipulates that if a performer was previously nominated in supporting or lead, they cannot switch to guest for that same show at any future date, regardless of how much screen time they have — or, in Bledel's case, don't have. More from GoldDerby That shocking 'The Last of Us' death, final seasons for 'The Boys' and 'Cobra Kai,' and more from Sony TV actors and showrunners 'I know this dude!': David Alan Grier explains why he leapt at the chance to play a 'burned-out' doctor on 'St. Denis Medical' 'I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys - so what's the difference? As originally reported by Variety and confirmed by Gold Derby, the Television Academy notified Bledel that she would be moved from Best Drama Guest Actress to Best Drama Supporting Actress, the same category where she was nominated in 2018 (losing to Thandiwe Newton for Westworld). As a result, Bledel opted to withdraw her name from consideration completely, which means she won't be on the ballot alongside her fellow The Handmaid's Tale supporting actresses, Yvonne Strahovski, Ann Dowd, Samira Wiley, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Ever Carradine, all of whom had considerably larger roles. The fact that Bledel was previously nominated as a guest star for playing Emily in 2017, 2020, and 2021 (winning in 2017) had no bearing on this decision. It was that sole 2018 supporting nomination and loss that determined she could no longer compete as a guest star for The Handmaid's Tale. Here is the specific Emmy rule that's causing so much confusion: If a performer has been nominated or has won in a Lead or Supporting Performer category, the performer will not be eligible to submit in a Guest Performer category in a subsequent Emmy year for playing the same role in the same series. They may, however, continue to enter in a Lead or Supporting category. Note that the "50 percent" rule is still in effect, so guest stars can only campaign in that category if they appear in fewer than half of the eligible episodes. Bledel appeared in just one of the 10 episodes from Season 6, so she could have entered the guest race had the rule not been changed in January. SEEWhat 'The Handmaid's Tale' star Elisabeth Moss 'stressed about' for a year and a half while filming the final season SEEWhat 'The Handmaid's Tale' star Elisabeth Moss 'stressed about' for a year and a half while filming the final season Prior to The Handmaid's Tale series finale, Bledel's last appearance as Emily was in the Season 4 finale, which aired in June 2021. Emily was seen racing after Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) with the other escaped handmaids, which resulted in his brutal murder. When Season 5 started, Emily was reported as "missing," and not much was mentioned about her again, until the Season 6 finale, when she showed up alongside June (Elisabeth Moss) to reflect on their past decade together. Another high-profile performer affected by the new guest star rule is Meryl Streep for Only Murders in the Building. She was nominated in Best Comedy Supporting Actress in 2024, and now must campaign in that category again at the 2025 Emmys, despite having a smaller presence in Season 4 and only appearing in four of the 10 episodes. This isn't the first time the guest star rules have resulted in unexpected drama. In 2016, Peter MacNicol's Emmy nomination for Veep was rescinded when it was determined he had appeared in too many episodes to compete in guest. Peter Scolari for Girls replaced him on the list of nominees, and he ended up winning. SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Jacob Elordi reveals personal reason for joining 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North': 'It was something important to me' Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez on how the 'Agatha All Along' cast 'became a coven' when recording 'The Ballad of the Witches' Road' Jason Schwartzman on the breakneck 'Mountainhead' production: 'I've never done anything like it in my life' Click here to read the full article.
Elle
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Why Alexis Bledel Had to Pull Out of Emmys Consideration for 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 6
Alexis Bledel made a surprise return as Emily in the series finale of The Handmaid's Tale, but she won't be eligible for an Emmy Award for her guest appearance. According to Variety, she was submitted to be considered for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series but had to be removed from the category due to a change in Emmys rules. The update states that actors who were previously nominated in the lead or supporting acting categories for a show are disqualified from being nominated in the guest star category for that same show. The Television Academy informed Bledel's team that, due to this change, she would be moved to the supporting actress pool, but Bledel instead opted to withdraw from consideration, Variety reports. Bledel already won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Handmaid's in 2017. She was then nominated for supporting actress in 2018, and then as guest actress again in 2020 and 2021. While her name won't be appearing on the ballot, The Handmaid's Tale still has 35 submissions for awards this year, according to Variety. Bledel, who parted ways with the Hulu series in season 5, makes a cameo in the show's final episode, which aired on May 27. 'It was an immediate yes,' she told The Hollywood Reporter of making her return. 'It felt right to bring closure to Emily's journey and offer the audience a sense of completion. Bruce put together such a kind and talented group, and so many of the original crew were still there in season six. The production runs like a well-oiled machine—everyone brings their best. I'm excited to see what they create in [sequel series] The Testaments.'
