2026 Emmy Nominations: 6 Surprise Nods Nobody Saw Coming, From Dancing With the Stars to Sally Field

Chase Infiniti pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Emmys with a Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination for playing Agnes Mackenzie in The Testaments. The rising star beat the odds and landed a well-earned spot, proving her breakout performance made a lasting impression on Emmy voters. She’ll be competing against Keri Russell, Carrie Coon, Rhea Seehorn, and Zendaya.

After 10 long years, Dancing With the Stars is finally back in the Emmy spotlight! Thanks to a hugely popular season and a big ratings boost, the ABC favorite earned a surprise nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program. Now it's going head-to-head with heavy hitters like RuPaul's Drag Race, Survivor, Top Chef, and The Traitors.

One of the most bittersweet surprises of the 2026 Emmys was Rob Reiner’s posthumous nomination for The Bear. The legendary actor and director earned a Guest Actor in a Comedy Series nod months after his death, marking his first acting Emmy nomination since his All in the Family wins in the 1970s. He now joins Connor Storrie, Christopher McDonald, Hamish Linklater, Brett Goldstein, and Michael J. Fox in the race.

Mission accomplished! Riz Ahmed pulled off one of the coolest surprise nominations of the 2026 Emmys. He earned an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nod for playing Shah Latif in Bait. The Emmy and Oscar winner is now up against Jason Bateman, Charlie Hunnam, Oscar Isaac, and Matthew Rhys in a stacked race.

Talk about a comeback! Sally Field is back on the Emmy ballot after a 17-year gap, earning an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nomination for Remarkably Bright Creatures. The Hollywood icon last won in 2009 for Brothers & Sisters. Now, she’s up against Claire Danes, Carey Mulligan, Sarah Pidgeon, and Sarah Snook in one of the toughest races.

One of the most pleasant surprises? Subway Takes finally got its Emmy moment! Kareem Rahma’s wildly addictive YouTube series scored a well-earned nomination for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series. It’ll be competing against Bad Thoughts, Colbert Before Air, The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains, and The Randy Rainbow Show for the trophy.