The 2022 Emmy Awards were a celebration of television talent, where audiences tuned in to see who would take home the coveted trophies for outstanding performances. Every year, the Emmys highlight the achievements of actors, directors, writers, and other contributors to TV shows. The event gives recognition to the finest performances across different genres, from drama to comedy, and everything in between.
The 2022 Emmys were held on September 12, and the winners were chosen by the Television Academy’s voting body, which consists of thousands of industry professionals. The ceremony was an exciting one, featuring some of the most impressive TV performances in recent years.
For actors, being nominated for an Emmy is a huge accomplishment. It means their performances have been recognized and appreciated by their peers. The competition in 2022 was tough, with many remarkable performances across the board. Some actors won big, while others were celebrated for their work even if they didn’t take home a trophy.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout actors at the 2022 Emmys.
Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1. Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game
One of the most significant winners of the 2022 Emmy Awards was Lee Jung-jae, who won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game. The South Korean actor became the first Asian actor to win this prestigious category, making history in the process.
Lee’s performance as a desperate father and gambler who gets involved in a deadly competition was nothing short of remarkable. His portrayal of a man who struggles with his past mistakes while fighting for his life in a high-stakes game resonated with viewers worldwide. The character of Seong Gi-hun is complex, shifting between vulnerability, anger, and hope, and Lee’s nuanced performance captured this beautifully.
His win also reflected the global success of Squid Game, a show that captivated audiences across continents and was recognized for pushing the boundaries of television. Lee’s victory marked a turning point in the recognition of international television talent, highlighting how shows from outside the United States are making a significant impact on the industry.
2. Jason Bateman – Ozark
Jason Bateman has been a constant figure in the acting world for many years, and his role in Ozark earned him widespread acclaim. In 2022, he was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Marty Byrde, a financial planner who is forced to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. Bateman’s performance in this role was outstanding, showing the complexity of a character who is both a family man and a reluctant criminal mastermind.
Marty Byrde’s calm and calculating nature, combined with his deep sense of responsibility to his family, created a performance that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Bateman’s ability to express both the fear and the resilience of his character in such a high-stakes environment was one of the highlights of Ozark. Although Bateman did not win the award, his work on the series was undeniably impressive.
3. Brian Cox – Succession
Brian Cox’s portrayal of Logan Roy in Succession has become iconic in the television world. In 2022, he was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of the ruthless media mogul who is determined to keep control of his empire. Cox’s performance as Logan is commanding, intense, and filled with layers of emotion, making him one of the standout characters on the show.
Logan Roy is a man of power, but his vulnerability and the complexities of his relationships with his children are at the heart of Cox’s performance. The actor’s ability to show the cold, calculating nature of Logan, while also revealing the fragility of his position, contributed greatly to the success of Succession and earned Cox a well-deserved nomination.
Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series
4. Zendaya – Euphoria
Zendaya’s performance as Rue Bennett in Euphoria earned her the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2022 Emmys. This was Zendaya’s second win in this category, and she made history as the youngest two-time winner in Emmy history. Her portrayal of a teenager struggling with addiction and navigating the turbulent waters of high school life resonated deeply with audiences.
Zendaya’s nuanced performance brought a sense of vulnerability and strength to Rue, showing the internal battles of a young woman trapped in the cycle of addiction. Her ability to show both the destructive and redeeming qualities of her character is one of the reasons why she is considered one of the best actresses of her generation. Zendaya’s win was a testament to her immense talent and the impact Euphoria has had on television.
5. Jodie Comer – Killing Eve
Jodie Comer has been praised for her portrayal of Villanelle in Killing Eve, a role that earned her a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2022. Villanelle is a skilled assassin with a playful and unpredictable nature, and Comer’s performance made the character both terrifying and intriguing.
Comer’s ability to balance Villanelle’s dark side with her moments of vulnerability and humor is what makes her performance so compelling. The character’s complexity allows Comer to showcase a wide range of emotions, from cold-blooded ruthlessness to childlike innocence. Although she didn’t win the award, Comer’s portrayal of Villanelle has been widely regarded as one of the most dynamic performances in recent television history.
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
6. Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Ted Lasso in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. His portrayal of an American football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team, despite knowing little about the sport, earned him widespread acclaim.
Sudeikis brought heart and warmth to the character of Ted, making him not only funny but also deeply human. Ted’s optimism, kindness, and personal struggles made him a relatable and endearing character, and Sudeikis’s performance was a perfect fit for the role. His win in 2022 marked the second consecutive year he took home the Emmy for this role, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved comedy actors on television.
7. Bill Hader – Barry
Bill Hader’s portrayal of Barry Berkman, a hitman trying to leave his violent past behind and pursue a career in acting, earned him a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2022 Emmys. Hader’s performance in Barry is one of the most unique in comedy television, blending dark humor with moments of genuine emotion.
Hader expertly balances the absurdity of the character’s situation with the real psychological trauma he experiences. His performance captures the inner conflict of a man torn between two worlds and constantly struggling to reconcile his violent past with his desire for something better. Hader’s work on Barry continues to be one of the standout performances in comedy television.
Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
8. Jean Smart – Hacks
Jean Smart won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Deborah Vance in Hacks. Vance is a legendary comedian who finds herself adjusting to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and Smart’s portrayal of this complex character was both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Smart’s performance showcased Deborah’s sharp wit, her vulnerability, and her fierce determination to remain relevant in a world that often underestimates older women. The character’s emotional journey, from being a larger-than-life icon to facing the realities of her career, was beautifully portrayed by Smart, making her win in 2022 well-deserved.
9. Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Janine Teagues, an optimistic elementary school teacher. Brunson’s portrayal of Janine was both funny and heartfelt, capturing the character’s enthusiasm for teaching and her personal struggles.
Abbott Elementary has been praised for its witty writing and sharp social commentary, and Brunson’s performance brought the heart of the show to life. Her ability to balance humor with the more serious aspects of Janine’s character made her one of the standout nominees in this category.
Conclusion
The 2022 Emmy Awards celebrated the incredible talent that continues to push the boundaries of television. From intense dramas to lighthearted comedies, the best actors of the year showcased their versatility and skill in bringing unforgettable characters to life. Whether it was Lee Jung-jae’s breakthrough performance in Squid Game or Zendaya’s historic win for Euphoria, the 2022 Emmys highlighted the diverse and outstanding talent in the television industry.
These actors represent the best of the best, and their performances have left an indelible mark on TV history. The 2022 Emmys were a celebration of talent, storytelling, and the ever-evolving nature of television, making it a night to remember for fans and industry professionals alike.
