Today is the day! The 65th Annual Primetime Emmy nominations are here, and while some of them are really expected (how you doin’ Modern Family), others are really exciting! Here’s our list of nominated BAMF ladies (and one man-person) that made us uber-pumped for the upcoming awards show.
1. PEGGY OLSON (I MEAN ELISABETH MOSS) GETS 2 NOMINATIONS! HOLLA!
It’s no secret that Elisabeth Moss is awesome, and that she was a shining beacon of greatness on this past season of Mad Men (plus like, all seasons of Mad Men). But when she wasn’t playing a hardass boss over at Sterling Cooper & Partners, she was owning it as Detective Robin Griffin on the Sundance mini-series Top of the Lake. If you missed it, you can catch up on Netflix. Did we mention she uses a New Zealand accent and solves crimes?!
Nominated alongside Moss in both categories is an extensive list of impressive heavy-hitting actresses (Helen Mirren, Laura Linney, etc.), but hopefully the Academy will recognize Peggy Elisabeth for at least one of her badass roles.
2. SISTER JUDE AW HECK YES
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If Jessica Lange didn’t creep people out enough as Constance on the first installment of FX’s American Horror Story, she certainly came back with a bang as the morally tortured Sister Jude on Asylum last spring, earning her a nom for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.” Despite Asylum being one of the most messed-up things on television that gave us nightmares for days, the acting was pretty darn spectacular, especially Lange. Fans can rest assured she’ll be back for American Horror Story: Coven to scare the pants off of everyone … again! Or maybe sing us another song?
3. MICHAEL BLUTH!!!!!!
Despite the mixed reactions from fans on Netflix’s fourth season of Arrested Development earlier this summer, there is no denying the awesomeness of Jason Bateman’s nomination for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.” Not only did our beloved Bluth family return to us, but was recognized for it. It’ll be difficult winning the category against Alec Baldwin from his last season of 30 Rock, but hey, there’s always money in the banana stand. Or something like that.
4. THE ENTIRE CATEGORY FOR OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
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Let’s see here … Laura Dern, Lena Dunham, Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler. Uh. These are all exceptionally funny ladies on exceptionally funny shows. Tina Fey will surely take home the trophy for 30 Rock, but we’re more excited about whatever hilarious bit these ladies will put together for the awards show. Leave it up to Amy Poehler and friends for the best pranks.
5. BETTY WHITE GETS ALL THE THINGS
Betty White’s recognitions for everything are just really amusing at this point. She’s up for “Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program” for the second year in a row. We know all those fans of the elderly pranking show Off Their Rockers are jumping out of their respective wheelchair scooters right this moment. You go, Betty.
6. CHRISTINA HENDRICKS IS HOT AND A GOOD ACTRESS
…and she’s nominated for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.” BAM!
7. SARAH PAULSON DESERVES EVERYTHING
Each week, viewers tuned back into American Horror Story: Asylum, praying that Sarah Paulson’s Lana Winters would catch a break from all of the mental and physical abuse thrown at her both from inside Briarcliff Manor, and at the hands of Bloody Face. It’s possible her character had the worst year ever, and Paulson deserves the Emmy and all of the things. ‘Nuff said.
8. THE QUEEN OF THORNS
One of the best parts of Game of Thrones this season was watching Dame Diana Rigg as matriarchal Olenna Tyrell, aka the “Queen of Thorns,” take on various characters with solely her conniving snappy wit. The Tyrells certainly have lots of things up their fancy sleeves, and hopefully we see more of Olenna next season. The Academy recognized Rigg with a nom for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.”
9. DAENERYS STORMBORN OF HOUSE TARGARYEN, THE UNBURNT, MOTHER OF DRAGONS, KHALEESI TO DROGO’S RIDERS, AND QUEEN OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS OF WESTEROS
Emilia Clarke as Dany gained even more momentum this season as she led the Dothraki people through the east and later freed an entire slave army. She’s easy to root for, and has adjusted well into the role over the last few seasons. Perhaps it will be Game of Thrones‘ year to take home “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.”
10. BRIDESMAIDS FACE OFF
vs.
Last year, Bridesmaids co-stars Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy were nominated in different categories, Wiig for supporting actress on her last season of SNL, and McCarthy for lead actress in Mike & Molly. Neither won, but this year, they’ll face off for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series,” both for their highly successful SNL hosting gigs. Hopefully, one of them will take home the prize, resulting in a highly entertaining acceptance speech.
