The Gotham Film & Media Institute has unveiled the nominations for the 2026 Gotham Television Awards, recognizing a diverse and compelling array of television series and individual performances that have defined the past broadcast and streaming seasons. This announcement marks a significant moment in the annual awards calendar, serving as one of the earliest prestigious recognitions of television excellence and setting the stage for the competitive season ahead. With twelve competitive award categories, the Gotham Television Awards continue to champion innovative storytelling and exceptional craft in the rapidly evolving landscape of serialized content.
A Legacy of Supporting Creative Voices
Established to celebrate and support the independent film community, The Gotham has expanded its purview to encompass the vibrant and dynamic world of television. The Gotham Television Awards, now in their third year, have quickly become a bellwether for critical acclaim and artistic achievement. Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp articulated the significance of this year’s nominations, stating, "With today’s nominations, our third annual Gotham Television Awards celebrates an incredible year of breakthrough comedies, dramas, and original films, as well as a newly expanded Limited or Anthology Series category recognizing where some of television’s boldest work is being made. As the first awards show of the new television season, we’re proud to bring together the industry’s most exciting voices, celebrate the year’s achievements, and deepen our commitment to supporting the creative community we represent here at The Gotham." This commitment underscores The Gotham’s broader mission to foster a thriving ecosystem for storytellers, from emerging talents to established industry leaders.
The awards program is meticulously designed to honor the breadth of contemporary television. Categories such as Breakthrough Comedy Series, Breakthrough Drama Series, and Breakthrough Nonfiction Series spotlight series that push creative boundaries and offer fresh perspectives. The Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category, which has seen an expansion this year, reflects the growing prominence of these tightly crafted narratives. Complementing these series honors, the Outstanding Performance awards recognize lead and supporting actors who deliver memorable and impactful portrayals within these nominated programs. Furthermore, the Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming award acknowledges feature-length films that have made their debut on television or digital platforms, highlighting the increasing convergence of film and television distribution.
The Nomination Process: A Blend of Expertise
The selection of nominees for the 2026 Gotham Television Awards was a rigorous process, entrusted to dedicated nominating committees composed of esteemed film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers, and film curators. This diverse group of industry professionals applied their discerning eyes and critical expertise to evaluate a vast slate of eligible programming. Following the nomination phase, separate juries, comprised of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors, and other key figures directly involved in the creation of television, will convene to determine the ultimate recipients of the Gotham Television Awards. This dual-jury system ensures that both critical appraisal and peer recognition play vital roles in the awards’ integrity.
Looking Back at the 2025 Gotham Television Awards
The 2025 Gotham Television Awards celebrated a remarkable year in television. Among the honorees were "Adolescence," "The Studio," "The Pitt," "Social Studies," and "Pee-wee as Himself," signaling a strong endorsement of innovative and compelling storytelling. The ceremony also paid tribute to significant figures and ensembles who have left an indelible mark on the medium. Tributes were bestowed upon Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Elisabeth Moss and the cast of "The Handmaid’s Tale," Parker Posey, Brian Tyree Henry, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and David E. Kelley. These accolades underscore The Gotham’s dedication to recognizing both the ongoing impact of established artists and the fresh voices emerging in the industry.
The 2026 Nominees: A Deep Dive into the Contenders
This year’s nominations showcase a vibrant mix of established streaming giants and emerging platforms, reflecting the current state of television production and distribution.
Breakthrough Comedy Series
The nominees in the Breakthrough Comedy Series category highlight a range of comedic sensibilities, from sharp satire to heartfelt exploration of human foibles.
- Big Mistakes (Netflix) – Featuring a notable ensemble, this series is executive produced by Etan Frankel, Timothy Greenberg, Dean Holland, Dan Levy, Anne-Marie McGintee, and Rachel Sennott, with Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott credited as creators.
- The Chair Company (HBO Max) – Created by Zach Kanin and Tim Robinson, the series boasts executive producers Andrew DeYoung, Zach Kanin, Adam McKay, Tim Robinson, Todd Schulman, and Igor Srubshchik.
- I Love LA (HBO Max) – This series, created by Rachel Sennott, is executive produced by Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers, Lorene Scafaria, Rachel Sennott, and Max Silvestri.
- Long Story Short (Netflix) – Raphael Bob-Waksberg serves as the creator and executive producer, alongside Noel Bright and Steven A. Cohen.
- Too Much (Netflix) – Lena Dunham and Luis Felber are the creators, with a robust executive producing team including Tim Bevan, Michael P. Cohen, Lena Dunham, Eric Fellner, Surian Fletcher-Jones, and Bruce Eric Kaplan.
Breakthrough Drama Series
The Breakthrough Drama Series nominees represent ambitious narratives that tackle complex themes and deliver gripping storytelling.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max) – Created by George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker, this fantasy drama is executive produced by a team including Sarah Bradshaw, Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, Owen Harris, George R.R. Martin, and Ira Parker.
- Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu) – Noah Hawley is the creator of this series, with executive producers Dana Gonzales, Noah Hawley, Joseph E. Iberti, Clayton Krueger, Ridley Scott, and David W. Zucker.
- Dept. Q (Netflix) – Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani are the creators, with executive producers Rob Bullock, Scott Frank, Andy Harries, and Charlotte Moore.
- Pluribus (Apple TV) – Vince Gilligan is the creator of this drama, executive produced by Jeff Frost, Vince Gilligan, Diane Mercer, Allyce Ozarski, Gordon Smith, and Alison Tatlock.
- Task (HBO Max) – Brad Ingelsby is the creator, with an extensive executive producing team including David Crockett, Brad Ingelsby, Paul Lee, Mark Roybal, Mark Ruffalo, Ron Schmidt, Salli Richardson Whitfield, and Jeremiah Zagar.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
The expanded category for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series underscores the critical and popular success of these self-contained narratives.
- Beef (Netflix) – Lee Sung Jin is the creator of this critically acclaimed series, with a large team of executive producers including Sam French, Oscar Isaac, Lee Sung Jin, Ethan Kuperberg, Charles Melton, Anna Ouyang Moench, Carey Mulligan, Ravi Nandan, Alli Reich, Kitao Sakurai, Jake Schreier, Cailee Spaeny, Ali Wong, and Steven Yeun.
- Death by Lightning (Netflix) – Mike Makowsky is the creator, with executive producers David Benioff, Bernadette Caulfield, Mike Makowsky, Matt Ross, and D.B. Weiss.
- DTF St. Louis (HBO Max) – Steven Conrad is the creator, supported by executive producers Molly Allen, Jason Bateman, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steven Conrad, Michael Costigan, David Harbour, James Lasdun, Michael Nelson, Jennifer Scher, Bruce Terris, Steve Tisch, and K.C. Wenson.
- Half Man (HBO Max) – Richard Gadd is the creator of this series, with executive producer roles to be determined.
- Lord of the Flies (Netflix) – Jack Thorne is the creator, with executive producers Jamie Campbell, Amanda Duthie, Nawfal Faizullah, Marc Munden, Cailah Scobie, Jack Thorne, and Joel Wilson.
Breakthrough Nonfiction Series
The Breakthrough Nonfiction Series category recognizes documentaries and factual programs that illuminate important subjects and offer compelling perspectives.
- High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock) – This series features an impressive array of executive producers including Kadine Anckle, Tom Casciato, Mari Keiko Gonzalez, Sacha Jenkins, Liz Yale Marsh, Keith McQuirter, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Keisha Senter, and Jamal M. Watson, with Jason Perez as director.
- Katrina: Come Hell and High Water (Netflix) – Executive producers for this series include Geeta Gandbhir, Spike Lee, and Sam Pollard.
- Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV) – Directed by Rebecca Miller, this tribute is executive produced by Damon Cardasis, Chris Donnelly, Rebecca Miller, Cindy Tolan, Julie Yorn, and Rick Yorn.
- Sean Combs: The Reckoning (Netflix) – The executive producers for this series are Brad Bernstein, Ariel Brozell, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, David Karabinas, Stacy Scripter, and Alexandria Stapleton.
- The Yogurt Shop Murders (HBO Max) – This series boasts executive producers Nancy Abraham, Avi Belkin, Margaret Brown, Beth Garrabrant, Lisa Heller, Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emily Osborne, Sara Rodriguez, Limor Gott Ronen, Mickey Stanley, Emma Stone, and Nicole Stott.
Outstanding Performance Categories
The performance categories celebrate the actors who bring these narratives to life with exceptional skill and emotional depth.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy Series
- Elle Fanning – Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV)
- Dan Levy – Big Mistakes (Netflix)
- Taylor Ortega – Big Mistakes (Netflix)
- Tim Robinson – The Chair Company (HBO Max)
- Rachel Sennott – I Love LA (HBO Max)
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series
- Malin Akerman – The Hunting Wives (Netflix)
- Sydney Chandler – Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu)
- Peter Claffey – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max)
- Chase Infiniti – The Testaments (Hulu)
- Rhea Seehorn – Pluribus (Apple TV)
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited or Anthology Series
- Riz Ahmed – Bait (Amazon Prime Video)
- Jamie Bell – Half Man (HBO Max)
- Matthew Macfadyen – Death by Lightning (Netflix)
- Carey Mulligan – Beef (Netflix)
- Sarah Pidgeon – Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu)
- Lili Reinhart – Hal & Harper (MUBI)
- Michael Shannon – Death by Lightning (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy Series
- Odessa A’zion – I Love LA (HBO Max)
- Erika Alexander – The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (Peacock)
- Laurie Metcalf – Big Mistakes (Netflix)
- Michelle Pfeiffer – Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV)
- Daniel Radcliffe – The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (Peacock)
- Haley Lu Richardson – Ponies (Peacock)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series
- Dexter Sol Ansell – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max)
- Babou Ceesay – Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu)
- Zach Galifianakis – The Audacity (AMC)
- Tom Pelphrey – Task (HBO Max)
- Karolina Wydra – Pluribus (Apple TV)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited or Anthology Series
- Linda Cardellini – DTF St. Louis (HBO Max)
- David Harbour – DTF St. Louis (HBO Max)
- David McKenna – Lord of the Flies (Netflix)
- Nick Offerman – Death by Lightning (Netflix)
- Cailee Spaeny – Beef (Netflix)
Original Film Categories
The inclusion of original film categories highlights The Gotham’s continued dedication to recognizing cinematic achievement, even as it expands its television focus.
Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming
- Color Theories by Julio Torres – Julio Torres, director; Matthew Vaughan, producer (HBO Max)
- People We Meet on Vacation – Brett Haley, director; Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, producers (Netflix)
- Reflection in a Dead Diamond – Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani, directors; Pierre Foulon, producer (Shudder)
- Remarkably Bright Creatures – Olivia Newman, director; Peter Craig, David Levine, Bryan Unkeless, producers (Netflix)
- #Skyking – Patricia E. Gillespie, director; Christopher G. Cowan, Patricia E. Gillespie, David Sloan, Claire Weinraub, producers (Hulu)
Outstanding Performance in an Original Film
- Sally Field – Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix)
- Allison Janney – Miss You, Love You (HBO Max)
- Cassandra Naud – Influencers (Shudder)
- Yannick Renier – Reflection in a Dead Diamond (Shudder)
- Cory Michael Smith – Mountainhead (HBO Max)
The Ceremony and Future Outlook
The 2026 Gotham Television Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place live and in person on Monday, June 1st, 2026, at 7 PM at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. This annual event not only celebrates the year’s winners but also bestows tributes upon influential figures in the industry. This year, The Duffer Brothers will be honored for their groundbreaking work on "Stranger Things," with additional honorees to be announced in the coming weeks.
The expanded Limited or Anthology Series category and the continued strength of the Original Film categories demonstrate The Gotham’s adaptive approach to recognizing excellence across various narrative formats. As television continues to evolve, with an increasing blurring of lines between film and episodic content, The Gotham Television Awards are well-positioned to remain a vital platform for celebrating the art and craft of storytelling in all its forms. The diverse range of nominees this year suggests a healthy and competitive landscape, promising an exciting awards ceremony and a compelling preview of the year’s television achievements.
Nominating Committee Members
The rigorous nomination process was facilitated by dedicated committees whose expertise shapes the initial selection of contenders.
Nominating Committee for Breakthrough Comedy Series and Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Series:
Mae Abdulbaki, Freelance Movie and TV Critic; Rendy Jones, Freelance Film/TV Journalist, Rendy Reviews; Inkoo Kang, TV Critic, The New Yorker; Randi Kleiner, Co-Founder and CEO, SeriesFest; Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Festival Programming Manager, SXSW.
Nominating Committee for Breakthrough Drama Series and Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series:
Angie Han, Television Critic, The Hollywood Reporter; Melanie McFarland, Senior Critic, Salon.com; Kaiya Shunyata, TV Critic, Freelance; Ben Travers, Head TV Critic, IndieWire; Kathryn VanArendonk, Critic at Vulture and New York Magazine.
Nominating Committee for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Performance in Limited Series:
Daniel Fienberg, Chief TV Critic, The Hollywood Reporter; Liz Shannon Miller, Senior Entertainment Editor, Consequence; Jennifer Morgan, Head of Programming, ATX TV; Aramide Tinubu, TV Critic, Variety; Chris Vognar, TV/Pop Culture Critic, The Boston Globe.
Nominating Committee for Breakthrough Nonfiction Series:
Opal H. Bennett, Senior Producer, POV | Executive Producer, POV Shorts; Kendra Hodgson, Managing Director, Women Make Movies; Eric Deggans, Critic at Large, NPR; Knight Chair of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University; Claire Taylor-Smith, Chief Programming Officer, SeriesFest.
Nominating Committee for Outstanding Original Films, Broadcast, or Streaming and Outstanding Performance in an Original Film:
Kate Erbland, Editorial Director, IndieWire; Robert Daniels, Associate Editor, RogerEbert.com; Tomris Laffly, Film Journalist and Film Critic; Jourdain Searles, Freelance Film Critic for The Hollywood Reporter and The Film Stage; Brian Tallerico, Managing Editor, RogerEbert.com.
For more information about The Gotham Awards and their mission, visit thegotham.org. The announcement of these nominations sparks conversation and anticipation within the industry and among viewers, highlighting the ongoing cultural impact of exceptional television.
