The Sinner – Season 1

Even though the upper tier in each of the main drama and comedy series stayed largely the same this year, 2018 did bring a refreshing group of new nominees in a number of acting categories.

Performers who’ve long been TV mainstays to relative newcomers, this fresh batch of first-time honorees is an impressive collection of talent from across genres and platforms. 

So we’ve gathered some of the most notable hosts, actresses, and musical theater performers who broke through and will be up for gold come September. 

[For all of IndieWire’s continuing Emmy nominations coverage, take a peek at the Awards homepage here.]

Sara Bareilles

as Mary Magdalene, “Jesus Christ Superstar – Live in Concert”

Zazie Beetz

as Van Keefer, “Atlanta”

Jessica Biel

as Cora Tannetti, “The Sinner”

Cameron Britton

as Ed Kemper, “MIndhunter”

Brandon Victor Dixon

as Judas Iscariot, “Jesus Christ Superstar – Live in Concert”

Joseph Fiennes

as Fred Waterford, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Matthew Goode

as Tony Armstrong-Jones, “The Crown”

Tiffany Haddish

for hosting the November 11, 2017 episode of “Saturday Night Live”

Vanessa Kirby

as Princess Margaret, “The Crown”

John Legend

as Jesus Christ, “Jesus Christ Superstar – Live in Concert”

Ricky Martin

as Antonio D’Amico, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

Adina Porter

as Beverly Hope, “American Horror Story: Cult”

Amy Sedaris

as the host of “At Home with Amy Sedaris”

Jimmi Simpson

as William, “Westworld”

Matt Smith

as Prince Philip, “The Crown”

Yvonne Strahovski

as Serena Joy, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Michael Stuhlbarg

as Richard Clarke, “The Looming Tower”

Katt Williams

as Willy, “Atlanta”

Letitia Wright

as Nish, “Black Museum: Black Mirror”