These interviews were conducted before the actors strike. However, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Emmy nominations were still evident. One actress who received her first nomination was Jessica Chastain, known for her role as Tammy Wynette in Showtime’s “George & Tammy.” Chastain’s journey with the project began back in 2012 when she was approached by Josh Brolin at the Golden Globes. Brolin suggested that Chastain play the country singer in a movie project he was interested in joining. But over the years, the film turned into a limited series, with Brolin assuming the role of executive producer.
For Chastain, getting the series made was a significant accomplishment. However, receiving recognition for her portrayal through an Emmy nomination felt like an even greater privilege. She expressed her joy and excitement, stating, “I’m so ecstatic.” This nomination adds to Chastain’s long list of accolades, including an Oscar win for her performance as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” a SAG Award win for “George & Tammy,” and a Tony nomination for her work in the Broadway revival of “A Doll’s House.”
Playing Tammy Wynette was not without its challenges. Chastain initially had some reservations about the character, judging her based on stereotypes and misconceptions. However, as she learned more about Wynette’s life and the impact she had on country music, Chastain grew to admire her. She realized that Wynette was a “force to be reckoned with” and someone who faced constant criticism and underappreciation. Chastain is drawn to characters like Wynette, women who have been misunderstood or underestimated by society.
As production for “George & Tammy” began, Chastain found the task of playing the iconic singer to be daunting. The pressure intensified when Michael Shannon, who took on the role of George Jones, insisted on singing the musical numbers live instead of lip-syncing. Chastain and Shannon rehearsed for a year as Wynette and Jones before filming commenced. The most intimidating moment for Chastain was performing the iconic song “Stand By Your Man” in front of hundreds of extras. She felt the same fear and vulnerability as Wynette in that scene but channeled it into her performance. Chastain acknowledged that fear often fuels her as an actress.
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Dominique Fishback, another actress nominated for her role in the limited series “Swarm,” had mixed feelings about watching the Emmy nominations announcement. She was unsure if she would receive a nomination but decided to gather her friends and watch it together. When her name was called, Fishback’s reaction was one of pure chaos and excitement. Landing her first Emmy nomination was a thrilling experience for her.
Fishback’s portrayal of Dre, an obsessed fan in Prime Video’s “Swarm,” took a toll on her both physically and emotionally. Playing the character was a demanding task, and Fishback poured her heart and soul into it. One particular scene in the series finale, where Dre identifies as a trans man named Toni and commits a brutal act, proved to be the most challenging for Fishback. She described the toll it took on her, both physically and emotionally. However, despite the difficulties, Fishback found it to be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience to explore different aspects of her character.
After wrapping up the series, Fishback took a well-deserved vacation in Costa Rica. She chose to focus on self-care and relaxation, allowing herself to recharge and live her life without the pressure of finding her next project immediately. Fishback recognized the importance of taking breaks and honoring oneself to come back refreshed and ready to take on new roles.
In addition to these actresses, Jeremy Allen White received his first Emmy nomination for his role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in FX/Hulu’s “The Bear.” White admits that his work on the show feels distant, considering the amount of time that has passed since the first season aired. He reflects on the early days of the show when there were no expectations and they were simply focused on creating something cool and interesting. The recognition from the Emmy nomination brings him back to that moment and reminds him of how far the show has come.
White’s character, Carmen Berzatto, is an exacting chef dealing with grief and ambition. The first season was a challenging experience for White, filled with moments of insecurity and self-doubt. However, filming the second season was a smoother process, almost too easy for White. He considers suffering to be a part of good work, so the absence of it made him question his performance. Nonetheless, he describes the experience as “magical.”
Lastly, Jessica Williams received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role as therapist Gaby in Apple TV+’s “Shrinking.” Williams chose not to watch the Emmy nominations announcement live with anyone in her house. Instead, she gathered on the couch with her loved ones, waiting for the news to unfold. When her name was called, the room erupted in chaos and excitement.
Williams embraced the role of Gaby, a therapist, and poured her mind, body, and soul into the character. She dedicated herself to portraying the complexities of therapy and the challenges that come with it. Williams found joy in exploring different facets of Gaby’s personality and appreciated the opportunity to showcase a character that differs from her previous roles.
In conclusion, these actors and actresses faced various challenges during the productions of their respective projects. However, their dedication, hard work, and talent have earned them well-deserved Emmy nominations. Each of them brings a unique perspective and range of skills to the roles they play, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Whether it’s portraying iconic figures or exploring complex characters, these actors have proven their abilities and continue to make strides in their careers.
