Emmys Nominate 14 Performers Featured in Variety’s ‘Actors on Actors’

On this Emmy nominations morning, 14 stars from Variety ’s “Actors on Actors” series received recognition.

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The nominated performers from the 2024 season include Jodie Foster, Robert Downey Jr., Quinta Brunson, Jennifer Aniston, Hannah Einbinder, Anna Sawai, Brie Larson, Andrew Scott, Naomi Watts, Jonathan Bailey, Tyler James Williams, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig and Elizabeth Debicki.

On “Actors on Actors,” these dazzling performers captivated viewers with their lively and heartfelt discussions, offering a glimpse into their remarkable journeys both on-screen and off.

Check out their full “ Actors on Actors ” conversations below.

Acting nominees Jodie Foster (nominated for outstanding lead actress in a limited series for “True Detective”) and Robert Downey Jr. (nominated for outstanding lead actor in a limited series for “The Sympathizer”) reminisced on “Actors on Actors” about working together for the film “Home for the Holidays” (which Foster directed). The duo also discussed Downey possibly revisiting “Iron Man” and Foster’s experience working on “Silence of the Lambs.”

“The Morning Show” Emmy nominee Jennifer Aniston sat with the double nominee Quinta Brunson, who received acting and writing nods for “Abbott Elementary.” Together, they discussed breaking into comedy, the joy of sitcoms, working with writers and blocking out distractions from social media.

Variety ‘s “Bridesmaids” reunion brought Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig together. Wiig was nominated for her role on “Palm Royale” and Hamm for his work on “Fargo.” Together on “Actors on Actors,” they take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling their collaborations on “Saturday Night Live.” Wiig talked about her experience collaborating with Laura Dern and Carol Burnett to recreate the vibrant ’60s Palm Beach. Meanwhile, Hamm delved into the process of developing his “Fargo” character, Roy Tillman, including those prosthetic nipples.

“Ripley” nominee Andrew Scott joined “Lessons in Chemistry” lead and fellow nominee Brie Larson to chat about playing complex characters (be it heroes or villains). Swapping stories about learning to love the early auditioning days, they talked about their journey to the top of the call sheet, and how they beat getting the shakes.

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Naomi Watts (nominated for “Feud Capote vs. The Swans”) and Jonathan Bailey (nominated for “Fellow Travelers”) have a blast chatting for the first time on Variety’s “Actors on Actors.” Bailey gushed about Watts’ star turn in “Mulholland Drive” and how he actually filmed a similar sex scene for “Fellow Travelers” that was never used. Watts also talked about her physical transformation to become Babe Paley in “Feud.”

“Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. On her episode of “Actors on Actors,” she joined “Saturday Night Live” cast member Chloe Fineman to discuss finding her chemistry with “Hacks” guest star Christina Hendricks and filming a standout episode in the wilderness with Jean Smart.

“Shōgun” star Anna Sawai was nominated for her role as the captivating Toda Mariko. Sawai joined Tom Hiddleston from “Loki” for a captivating conversation about freedom, and how “Shōgun” has similarities to the sci-fi Marvel show. Elsewhere, Sawai also broke down her character’s climactic castle gate fight moment for Variety’s “Making A Scene.”

Golden Globe winner and three-time Emmy nominee Tyler James Williams from “Abbott Elementary” (who was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series) joined “Twisted Metal” star Anthony Mackie to break down their journeys from child actors to adult heartthrobs.

Nominated for playing Princess Diana on “The Crown,” Elizabeth Debicki sat with another Princess Diana actor, Emma Corrin, to break down how they decoded the legendary figure. They also discussed Diana’s tragic death and the “abusive” paparazzi who played a role in it.

Variety ‘s “Awards Circuit” podcast also hosted a slew of Emmy nominees, including Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”), Maya Rudolph (“Loot,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Big Mouth”), Seth Meyers (“Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Ron Howard (“Jim Henson Idea Man”), Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”), Tony Shalhoub (“Mr. Monk’s Last Case”), John Mulaney (“Our Next Guest with David Letterman and John Mulaney”), Lamorne Morris (“Fargo”), Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), Ramy Youssef (“The Bear”), Kali Reis (“True Detective: Night Country”), John Wilson (“How to With John Wilson”), Noah Hawley (“Fargo”) and Emma Schwartz and Mary Robertson (“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV”).

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