She submitted herself for an Emmy. Now she’s a nominee
She submitted herself for an Emmy. Now she’s a nominee
She submitted herself for an Emmy - Brittany Allen, the actress behind the character Roxie Hamler in HBO’s medical drama “The Pitt,” found out she was among the 25 Emmy nominations the series received while resting at home in Los Angeles. The show surpassed expectations, earning recognition for its ensemble cast, including star Noah Wyle. Yet Allen’s personal achievement stood out, as she was the one who took the initiative to apply for awards consideration.
A role that left a lasting impression
Allen appeared in seven episodes of the show’s second season, portraying Roxie, a young mother battling terminal cancer. Her portrayal of Roxie’s quiet resilience and emotional depth resonated deeply with audiences, and it also captured the attention of Emmy voters. Despite the series’ large cast, Allen’s determination to be seen proved pivotal in her nomination.
“This industry really doesn’t do you any favors. Nobody’s got your back but yourself,” Allen explained over the phone. “When you put so much work into something, you want to give it the best shot to be recognized. It felt important to stand up and say, ‘Hey, take a look at what I did,’ and to fight for it and be my own advocate.”
Allen’s campaign involved personal effort, from researching books on death and spirituality to immersing herself in the role for over two months. She leveraged her social media platforms to advocate for her performance, gaining visibility beyond the show’s official submissions. Her resolve was clear: “This is a platform, and I am going to seize it,” she stated.
Emmy self-submissions gain traction
Allen’s bold move wasn’t isolated. In 2019, “Game of Thrones” stars like Gwendoline Christie, Alfie Allen, and Carice van Houten also self-submitted and received nominations. This trend highlights how performers in large ensembles often take matters into their own hands to ensure their work is acknowledged.
While HBO opted not to submit Allen initially, she independently paid the $225 fee and submitted her name for the category of outstanding guest actress in a drama series. Her persistence paid off, as she was officially named a nominee. Allen expressed humility upon hearing the news, eventually embracing the pride of her accomplishment.
“If you had told me at any point in the last 20 years that I would be nominated for an Emmy for my work on an HBO show, I would be just beyond excited and proud to have made it someplace that I was dreaming about getting for a long time,” she said.
Casey Bloys, HBO and Max CEO, acknowledged the strategic challenge of submitting all performers. “‘The Pitt’ has hundreds of performers, and we simply, just strategically, can’t submit everybody,” he noted. “But we encourage people to self-submit, and I love that she got nominated.”
Allen credited the creative team for their support, both on and off set, and viewed the Emmy process as a blend of artistry and politics. “If the politics weren’t working in your favor on that day, then you find a way to make them work in your favor,” she added. With her previous Daytime Emmy win in 2011 for “All My Children,” Allen’s journey to this recognition reflects her ongoing commitment to her craft.