Before voting for the Emmy winners begins Aug. 17, Television Academy members are encouraged to watch all of the nominees’ episode submissions. While the guest stars’ choices in drama and comedy were publicly available on the nominating ballots, Gold Derby can now share supporting acting episode submissions.
Read on for everything to know about the Emmy episode submissions for Best Drama Actress.
Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age)
Episode: “My Mind Is Made Up”
Character: Bertha Russell
Recap: In the aftermath of George’s shooting, Bertha hosts the couple’s Newport ball and makes a point of inviting Aurora Fane over Mrs. Astor’s strenuous objections. Following a triumphant evening, though, George makes it clear that they’re still not reconciled and departs for New York City — missing out on the news that their daughter, Gladys, is pregnant.
Emmy history: This is Coon’s fourth career nomination; she was previously nominated for Best Limited/Movie Actress for Fargo in 2017, Best Drama Actress in 2024 for The Gilded Age, and Best Drama Supporting Actress in 2025 for The White Lotus.
Chase Infiniti (The Testaments)
Episode: “Secateurs”
Character: Agnes MacKenzie
Recap: Agnes learns her true identity as June’s daughter. She and Daisy seek to rescue Becca after her arrest, leading to her break-up with Weston.
Emmy history: This is Infiniti’s first Emmy nomination.
Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
Episode: “Schrodinger’s Wife”
Character: Kate Wyler
Recap: The U.S. and U.K. have a tense summit amidst an ongoing nuclear situation involving Russia. Meanwhile, Kate and Hal attempt to repair their marital strains.
Emmy history: This is Russell’s eighth career nomination; she received three Best Drama Actress nominations in 2016, 2017, and 2018 for The Americans, and was nominated in the same category in 2023 and 2025 for The Diplomat. As an executive producer on The Diplomat, she shared in the show’s nominations for Best Drama Series in 2025 and 2026.
Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)
Episode: “We Is Us”
Character: Carol Sturka
Recap: A viral outbreak causes much of the Earth’s population to join a single hive mind where joy and happiness reign. But a small group of humans manage to retain their own personalities, including cynical romantasy author, Carol, who sets about trying to undo what’s been done.
Emmy history: This is Seehorn’s fourth career nomination; she received two Best Drama Actress nods for Better Call Saul in 2022 and 2023, and a nomination for Best Actress in a Short Form Drama or Comedy Series in 2022 for Cooper’s Bar.
Zendaya (Euphoria)
Episode: “In God We Trust”
Character: Rue Bennett
Recap: Rue successfully extricates herself from Laurie’s control, but at a cost — she dies after taking fentanyl-laced pain medication given to her by Alamo. As she’s dying, she imagines a tearful reunion with her estranged mother. Finding her body the next morning, her sponsor, Ali, pursues revenge against Alamo.
Emmy history: This is Zendaya’s sixth career nomination; she won two Best Drama Actress statuettes for Euphoria in 2020 and 2022, becoming the youngest performer to win that category. Additionally, she shared Euphoria‘s Best Drama Series nomination in 2022 as an executive producer, and received a pair of nominations for Best Original Music and Lyrics in 2022 for penning the lyrics to two songs featured on the show.
