TV star disqualified from major award nomination over clerical error
This rule has affected actors such as Meryl Streep.
Liam Carter 
Jon Hamm has officially been pulled from the Emmy guest drama actor race. According to a report from Variety, a studio clerical error led to the disqualification of Hamm’s performance as Paul Marks in the fourth season of Apple TV’s The Morning Show.
The Rule Behind the Disqualification
The oversight stems from an Emmy regulation introduced in January 2025. This rule prohibits any performer who has previously been nominated for or won a lead or supporting acting Emmy from competing in the guest performer categories for that same role. Hamm, who was nominated for a supporting drama actor Emmy in 2024, was ineligible to submit as a guest actor.
While he appeared in only three episodes of The Morning Show—meeting the frequency requirement for guest contention—his past nomination status triggered the conflict. The oversight was initially missed by both the Apple TV team and the TV Academy during the verification process, only surfacing after ballots were released.
A Growing Trend of Ineligibility
This specific regulation has created significant hurdles for high-profile talent. Notable stars like Meryl Streep have been impacted; because of her prior nominations and limited screen time in recent seasons of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, she has been unable to submit in guest categories. However, the rule remains inconsistent for others, such as Saturday Night Live guest hosts, who often navigate the process differently due to how their roles are credited.
What's Next for Hamm?
While his work on The Morning Show is off the table, Hamm’s Emmy season is far from over. He remains in the running for lead drama actor for his performance in Your Friends and Neighbors and is also considered for a character voice-over performance for his role in Grimsburg.
Throughout his decorated career, Hamm has racked up 18 Emmy nominations, including iconic turns in Mad Men, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Fargo. He secured his first and only win in 2015 for his portrayal of Don Draper. Voters have until June 22 to finalize their ballots.
