11 Emmy Nominee Newcomers You Need to Start Following

Jul 16, 2015

With every new award season comes a handful of fresh faces not yet nominated for their acting work. While some nominations are long overdue and other honorees are totally new names to Hollywood, the excitement remains the same (at a really high level, obviously). With this morning’s announcement of the 67th Emmy Awards Nominees, a dozen stars (rising + established) were called out for their impressive acting over the past year, and plenty of them were first-time nominees who you may not be all that acquainted with off screen. To get pumped for the sure-to-be unforgettable speeches from these newbs come Emmy night, start rooting for your faves by following them on Instagram and Twitter from now all the way up to the award ceremony on September 20.

1. Taraji P. Henson, Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Empire (Instagram: @tarajiphenson + Twitter: @therealtaraji): Technically the actress who plays Cookie has been nominated for her role in the Lifetime movie Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story, but we couldn’t contain our excitement when we saw the Empire Records’ boss lady’s name make the cut. Seriously, we need more Cookie one-liners, so fingers crossed Taraji comes through with some if she winds up with the trophy. (Photo via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

2. Amy Schumer, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Inside Amy Schumer (Instagram: @amyschumer + Twitter: @amyschumer): Though nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series at last year’s ceremony, this is Amy’s first nomination in an acting category, and we can’t think of a funny, talented gal that deserves the award any more than her. Imagine how memorable a speech by the comedian would be — we’ve got our fingers crossed for you, Amy. (Photo via Anthony Harvey/Getty)

3. Uzo Aduba, Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Orange Is the New Black(Instagram: @uzoaduba + Twitter: @uzoaduba): While the actress did win an Emmy (among a handful of others) last year for her work as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the Netflix series, this year she is in the Supporting Actress category instead of the Guest Actress one. That’s already a win, girl. But it would be an ever bigger victory if she ended up at the podium! (Photo via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty)

4. Tituss Burgess, Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt(Instagram: @titusssawthis + Twitter: @titussburgess): This scene-stealer is sure to have an even bigger role in the second season of the Netflix comedy — he snagged his very first Emmy nom this morning. Here’s to good vibes + positive thoughts for a W for this talented guy, who will hopefully provide us with a follow-up to “Peeno Noir” via acceptance speech. (Photo via Brad Barket/Getty)

5. Viola Davis, Lead Actress in a Drama Series for How to Get Away With Murder(Twitter: @violadavis): We know, we can’t believe the varied, multi-dimensional characters the actress has played in the past have never earned her an Emmy nom before. Regardless, we are so pumped for this lady and think she rightfully deserves the trophy simply for that unforgettably powerful makeup removal scene alone. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

6. Tatiana Maslany, Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Orphan Black (Instagram: @tatmas + Twitter: @tatianamaslany): The actress who plays practically a dozen characters on the BBC America series finally got a long-overdue nomination. Now the only question is, which clone will inspire her red carpet look? (Photo via Gabriel Olsen/Getty)

7. Niecy Nash, Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Getting On (Instagram: @niecynash1 + Twitter: @niecynash): Nominated multiple times for her hosting duties on Style Network’s Clean House (which she won in 2010), this year marks her first Primetime Emmy nomination for her role in the HBO comedy series where she plays an empathetic nurse. Niecy, we don’t wanna see no scrubs come Emmy night ;) (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

8. Keegan-Michael Key, Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Key +Peele (Instagram: @keeganmic + Twitter: @keeganmkey): The comedian landed his first acting nomination (he was nominated for writing in last year’s ceremony) for his hilarious work on the Comedy Central sketch series. Though we’re excited for Keegan, we’re kinda bummed (actually, mad) his equally talented + hysterical co-star Jordan Peele didn’t nab a nom too. (Photo via Jesse Grant/Getty)

9. Anthony Anderson, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Black-ish (Instagram: @anthonyanderson + Twitter: @anthonyanderson): The patriarch of the Johnson family on the ABC comedy series snatched his first nomination at the Emmys, and it couldn’t have been for a better role. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

10. Will Forte, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for The Last Man on Earth (Twitter: @orvilleiv): The former Saturday Night Live cast member has been bringing the comedy since he left the TV institution in 2010. Now playing… well, the last man on Earth, he could be the only man left standing in his category accepting an award come Emmy night. (Photo via Mark Davis/Getty)

11. Gaby Hoffmann, Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Transparent + Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Girls: The beyond-talented actress not only snagged her first Emmy nomination this year, but she ended up with two! If you haven’t seen her intriguing work as Ali on the Amazon series, go binge it now and thank us later. (Photo via Charley Gallay/Getty)

SNUB: Gina Rodriguez, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Jane the Virgin (Instagram: @hereisgina + Twitter: @hereisgina): The actress who gave The CW its first-ever Golden Globe nomination + win also had one of the best-ever Emmy “For Your Consideration” campaigns (Exhibit A) and gives amazing, inspiring (and award-worthy on their own) acceptance speeches (Exhibit B) all while looking flawless. Oh, also she is a mega-talented actress and totally should have been one of the nominees for her dynamic performance throughout the first season of Jane the Virgin. #JusticeforGina (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

Which Emmy newcomer are you most excited about, and are you as outraged about Gina Rodriguez’s snub as we are? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!

celebrities celebrity news celebrity breakups celebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.