Jon Hamm Removed From 2026 Emmy Guest Actor Category Due to Prior Nominations

Jon Hamm will not be competing in the guest drama actor race at the 2026 Emmy Awards, following a submission error by Apple TV.

The 55-year-old was initially entered in the guest actor in a drama series category for his portrayal of Paul Marks in season 4 of The Morning Show. However, he has since been disqualified due to an eligibility rule that took effect in January 2025.

The rule prohibits actors with prior lead or supporting acting Emmy nominations or wins from entering the guest performer category for the same role. Since Hamm received a supporting drama actor nomination in 2024 for playing Paul Marks, he no longer qualifies as a guest performer despite appearing in only three episodes of the current season—fewer than half the season's total run.

"While he appears in only three episodes, fewer than half the season's run, he was ineligible under an Emmy rule that bars actors previously nominated in the lead or supporting categories from competing as a guest performer," according to reporting on the matter.

The regulation was designed to prevent actors from shifting between categories. High-profile examples include Meryl Streep, who earned a nomination for Only Murders in the Building season 3 and therefore cannot submit for subsequent seasons in a guest capacity, even if she technically qualifies based on episode count.

Hamm remains eligible to pursue Emmy recognition in other categories. His other eligible projects include a lead role in Apple's Your Friends and Neighbors and voice work as Marvin Flute in Grimsburg.