Why Alexis Bledel Had to Pull Out of Emmys Consideration for <i>The Handmaid’s Tale</i> Season 6

Alexis Bledel made a surprise return as Emily in the series finale of The Handmaid’s Tale, but she won’t be eligible for an Emmy Award for her guest appearance.

According to Variety, she was submitted to be considered for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series but had to be removed from the category due to a change in Emmys rules. The update states that actors who were previously nominated in the lead or supporting acting categories for a show are disqualified from being nominated in the guest star category for that same show. The Television Academy informed Bledel’s team that, due to this change, she would be moved to the supporting actress pool, but Bledel instead opted to withdraw from consideration, Variety reports.

Bledel already won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Handmaid’s in 2017. She was then nominated for supporting actress in 2018, and then as guest actress again in 2020 and 2021. While her name won’t be appearing on the ballot, The Handmaid’s Tale still has 35 submissions for awards this year, according to Variety.

Bledel, who parted ways with the Hulu series in season 5, makes a cameo in the show’s final episode, which aired on May 27.

“It was an immediate yes,” she told The Hollywood Reporter of making her return. “It felt right to bring closure to Emily’s journey and offer the audience a sense of completion. Bruce put together such a kind and talented group, and so many of the original crew were still there in season six. The production runs like a well-oiled machine—everyone brings their best. I’m excited to see what they create in [sequel series] The Testaments.”