Richard Gadd is positioning himself for maximum awards shelf space. By sliding into supporting actor rather than competing against Jamie Bell in lead, he's keeping multiple paths to Emmy glory open while demonstrating the kind of strategic thinking that comes from someone who's already won three statuettes for "Baby Reindeer."
Industry whispers suggest HBO is fully behind this project following the awards season success of Gadd's previous work. Sources indicate Jamie Bell's performance has generated particular buzz in early Academy screenings, with some calling it his most compelling screen work since "All of Us Strangers" back in 2023.
The series wrapped its six-episode run on Thursday, May 29, 2026. Gadd previously won three Emmys in 2024 for "Baby Reindeer" including outstanding limited series, lead actor, and writing. Emmy nomination voting runs from June 11-22 with official nominations announced July 8.
Gadd's calculated move into supporting keeps his awards streak alive while letting Bell anchor the category pushβand after three Emmys in under two years, this Scottish multi-hyphenate clearly knows how to play the game.
Richard Gadd is proving he's no one-trick pony. The "Baby Reindeer" creator has revealed his HBO Max follow-up "Half Man" will submit him for supporting actor rather than lead at this year's Emmysβa strategic pivot that keeps multiple trophies in play while avoiding a showdown with co-star Jamie Bell, who's being positioned as the series' leading man contender. The six-episode miniseries, which wrapped its run Thursday, has landed 21 official Emmy submissions across categories.
Gadd and Stuart Campbell will compete for supporting actor honors as older and younger versions of Ruben Pallister, while Bell and Mitchell Robertson go head-to-head in lead actor (limited) as the older and younger Niall Kennedy. It's a smart division that could see Gadd walking away with another trophy cabinet additionβafter all, he already snagged three Emmys in 2024 for "Baby Reindeer," including outstanding limited series, lead actor, and writing.
"Sliding into supporting actor could prove a savvy play, keeping the 37-year-old Scottish multi-hyphenate in the hunt for more statuettes," according to industry analysis. Gadd will also be recognized as an executive producer and writer, making him a three-category threat once again. The Television Academy's limited field means he'll compete against roughly six or seven slots, several expected to go to fellow HBO Max contenders like Jason Bateman and David Harbour of "DTF St.
Louis." Jamie Bell, meanwhile, is carrying the lead actor banner for what marks his first television role since Apple TV's "Shelling Girls" in 2022. The British actor rose to prominence over 25 years ago with his debut as a 14-year-old in Stephen Daldry's "Billy Elliot," becoming the youngest BAFTA winner for best actor. Now 40, Bell has showcased impressive range through films like "Jumper," "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool," and "All of Us Strangers." Industry observers note it'd be difficult to imagine he won't be a viable contender against Oscar Isaac from Netflix's "Beef" and other high-profile limited series performers this season.
The Television Academy has noticed. Variety chief TV critic Aramide Tinubu called the series "an excellent but difficult watch," noting that "a viciousness runs through the narrative, and countless acts of violence depicted." She reserved particular praise for the finale: "For those who stick it out, the final episode features one of the most emotionally shattering scenes on television." Emmy nomination-round voting opens June 11 and runs through June 22, with official nominations scheduled to drop July 8βmeaning the race to 78th Primetime Emmy glory is officially underway.
