Jenna Ortega and Pedro Pascal Achieve Historic Milestones with Emmy Nominations

HISTORY MAKERSJenna Ortega and Pedro Pascal Achieve Historic Milestones with Emmy Nominations

Jenna Ortega and Pedro Pascal have achieved a historic milestone in their careers, as their nominations in major acting categories for the Primetime Emmy Awards make them part of a select group of Latino actors to receive such recognition. Pascal’s nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series marks the first time a Latino actor has been nominated in this category since Jimmy Smits in 1999 for his role on NYPD Blue.

*Ortega’s nomination in Comedy Series is the first for a Latina actress since America Ferrera in 2007. | Credit: Getty*

On the other hand, Ortega’s inclusion in the list of Outstanding Lead Actresses in a Comedy Series nominees positions her as the first Latina actress to be recognized in this group since America Ferrera in 2007, and only the third to be nominated in any lead actress category, following Ferrera and Rita Moreno in 1983 for 9 to 5.

*The gripping series follows Pascal’s character as he tries to protect Ellie (Bella Ramsey). | Credit: FilmMagic/HBO*

Pascal earned his nomination for his portrayal of Joel in HBO’s highly acclaimed series “The Last of Us”, a successful adaptation of the 2013 video game. The gripping series follows Pascal’s character as he tries to protect Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers posed by infected humans transformed into ravenous creatures. Ellie’s blood could hold the key to a potential cure, but her bond with Joel complicates the mission of saving humanity. Pascal also received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his hosting gig on SNL.

*Jenna Ortega’s nomination comes from her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday. | Credit: Netflix*

Jenna Ortega’s nomination comes from her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s “Wednesday”, a spin-off from the Addams Family franchise. Ortega brings her unique voice to the character in this dark coming-of-age comedy that explores Wednesday’s adventures as she attends Nevermore Academy, a school for young people with extraordinary abilities. The success of the series upon its premiere led to the swift approval of a second season, which is currently in development. Ortega will also serve as a producer for the upcoming season.

*Pascal is the first Latino actor to be nominated in a Drama Series category since Jimmy Smits in 1999 for his role on NYPD Blue. | Credit: FilmMagic/HBO*

While the Writers Guild of America strike has put projects like The Last of Us Season 2 and Wednesday on hold, fans can still anticipate seeing Pedro Pascal in Pedro Almodóvar’s short film, Strange Way of Life, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year. Both Pascal and Ortega’s achievements highlight the growing recognition of Latino talent in the entertainment industry and pave the way for more diverse representation in prestigious award ceremonies.