“Euphoria” debuted on HBO in 2019, quickly capturing attention with its raw portrayal of teenage life, addiction, trauma, and identity. Created by Sam Levinson, the series was praised for its unfiltered storytelling, stylistic visuals, and groundbreaking performances, particularly from Zendaya.
By the time the 2022 Emmy Awards approached, “Euphoria” had become a cultural phenomenon, evolving into one of HBO’s flagship shows and a defining narrative of its generation.
Anticipation Before the Nominations
Following the massive success of its second season, expectations were high for “Euphoria” during awards season. Critics predicted strong showings not only for the acting but also for the technical achievements that made the show visually and emotionally arresting.
Audiences, too, eagerly awaited the nominations, confident that “Euphoria” would be recognized for its bold storytelling and remarkable performances across the board.
Euphoria’s Outstanding Recognition at the 2022 Emmys
Major Nominations Secured
“Euphoria” received 16 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, showcasing its excellence across multiple fields. It was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, affirming its position among television’s most elite offerings.
These nominations represented a major milestone for a show that dared to tackle controversial topics, blending visceral realism with cinematic artistry.
Highlighting Creative and Technical Categories
In addition to acting, the series earned recognition in categories like Outstanding Cinematography, Outstanding Contemporary Makeup, and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. These nominations highlighted the holistic brilliance that “Euphoria” brought to the television landscape.
The blend of technical prowess and emotional storytelling made “Euphoria” stand apart from many other shows listed among the Emmy Awards Nominees that year.
Zendaya’s Historic Achievements
Record-Breaking Lead Actress Nomination
Zendaya became the youngest two-time nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmys. Her performance as Rue Bennett — raw, vulnerable, and hauntingly real — was considered one of the defining portrayals of modern television.
Her nomination not only recognized her acting excellence but also confirmed her status as a generational talent who had moved far beyond her Disney roots into serious dramatic territory.
Producer Nomination and Broader Impact
In addition to acting, Zendaya made history as the youngest woman ever nominated for producing at the Emmys. Her dual nominations illustrated her expanding influence behind the scenes as a creative visionary.
Her work helped drive “Euphoria’s” authenticity, ensuring that sensitive topics were handled with the complexity and care they deserved.
Other Key Acting Nominations
Sydney Sweeney’s Breakthrough Moment
Sydney Sweeney was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Cassie Howard, a character torn between innocence, self-destruction, and the desperate need for validation. Her performance was a masterclass in vulnerability and chaos.
Sweeney’s nomination marked a turning point in her career, bringing her widespread acclaim and establishing her as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.
Colman Domingo’s Guest Actor Recognition
Colman Domingo earned a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor for his portrayal of Ali, Rue’s mentor. His calm, commanding presence brought much-needed warmth and stability to the otherwise volatile emotional landscape of “Euphoria.”
Domingo’s character provided Rue — and the audience — a vital anchor, making his scenes some of the most powerful and poignant in the series.
Technical Excellence Recognized
Cinematography and Visual Aesthetics
“Euphoria” was honored for Outstanding Cinematography, thanks largely to the work of Marcell Rév. The show’s dreamy, surreal visuals turned every frame into a painting, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
The cinematography was not only beautiful but also deeply purposeful, visually communicating the characters’ emotional states in ways that dialogue alone could not capture.
Music, Makeup, and Design Innovation
The show’s original score by Labrinth earned significant acclaim, including nominations for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. His haunting compositions became integral to the series’ emotional impact.
Meanwhile, the groundbreaking makeup designs, led by Donni Davy, created new trends in the beauty industry and became a signature part of the show’s identity, solidifying “Euphoria’s” cultural footprint.
Impact on Contemporary Television
Changing the Teen Drama Genre
Before “Euphoria,” teen dramas were often sanitized versions of adolescence. “Euphoria” shattered those norms, delivering a raw, unflinching portrayal of issues like drug addiction, mental illness, and identity exploration.
Its success at the Primetime Emmy Awards confirmed that audiences and critics were ready for deeper, more honest storytelling in the genre.
Influencing Future TV Storytelling
“Euphoria” set a new benchmark for visual storytelling and emotional depth. Future shows aiming to tackle heavy themes now face higher expectations for authenticity, complexity, and visual innovation.
Its influence has already been seen in newer series striving to blend artistic ambition with raw emotional truths, raising the bar across the industry.
Standout Episodes that Captured Attention
“Stand Still Like the Hummingbird”
This episode, centered on Rue’s devastating spiral, showcased Zendaya’s unmatched performance. It was widely considered one of the best episodes of television that year and earned specific acclaim from the Television Academy.
The emotional rollercoaster and technical mastery displayed in this episode played a major role in “Euphoria’s” overall awards momentum.
“You Who Cannot See, Think of Those Who Can”
This episode experimented heavily with visual metaphors and non-linear storytelling. The daring narrative choices and stunning cinematography captivated critics, who praised the creative risks it took.
Such episodes made it clear why “Euphoria” was recognized among the most artistically daring shows in the Emmys Nominees lineup.
Comparison with Other Nominees
Competing Against Industry Giants
Facing off against acclaimed shows like “Succession” and “The White Lotus,” “Euphoria” still managed to carve out significant wins. Its unique voice and artistic flair made it stand out in a crowded field.
While political intrigue and satirical drama dominated other nominees, “Euphoria” brought emotional vulnerability and stylistic audacity to the forefront.
Why Euphoria Resonated Differently
Unlike many contenders that relied on complex plot machinations, “Euphoria” thrived on emotional truth. Its ability to evoke raw, unfiltered emotion distinguished it from more cerebral competition.
Ultimately, it was this authenticity that captured voters’ hearts and solidified the show’s place as a standout at the Emmys.
Conclusion
“Euphoria’s” 2022 Emmy nominations were not just a recognition of creative excellence but a validation of television’s evolving narrative possibilities. It proved that audiences crave honesty, innovation, and daring from their stories.
In achieving this, “Euphoria” redefined what a television drama could be — emotionally intense, visually stunning, and culturally transformative.
