Kaitlyn Dever's Emmy Dilemma For The Last Of Us

Kaitlyn Dever is no stranger to emotionally charged roles—but her brutal, gripping portrayal of Abby in The Last of Us Season 2 has people buzzing for a whole new reason: where exactly does she fit in the upcoming Emmy race?

Key Question: Guest or Supporting?

While Dever’s performance has been hailed as one of the most powerful of the season, she technically qualifies for Guest Actress at the 2026 Emmys. That’s because she appears in less than 50% of the season’s seven episodes, a cutoff point determined by official Academy rules.

But there’s a twist. Despite qualifying as a guest, HBO and Dever’s reps are still mulling over whether to submit her for Supporting Actress instead. Why? Because Abby is no mere cameo. In The Last of Us lore (and now in the series), she’s a co-protagonist—a character whose emotional arc carries significant narrative weight.

What the Rules Say

Per Emmy regulations, appearing in less than half the episodes makes you eligible for the guest category. In this case, that’s three episodes or fewer. Dever reportedly appears in the premiere and at least one major centerpiece episode, but remains under the 50% threshold.

In short: She’s eligible to be a “guest,” but the scale and significance of her role raise valid questions about whether that’s the best fit.

The Emmy Strategy Game

Choosing between Guest and Supporting isn't just about rules—it’s about competition and impact. In the Guest category, Dever would go head-to-head with names like Catherine O’Hara, another Last of Us star and fan-favorite. In Supporting, she’d face off with co-star Isabela Merced, among others.

Submitting Dever as Supporting could elevate her critically praised role and avoid splitting the vote with another castmate in Guest. But it also comes with stiffer competition.

Industry Buzz

This kind of category juggling isn’t new—Emmy campaigns often get strategic, especially when roles defy easy classification. Think of past debates around limited vs. drama series, or lead vs. supporting. But with Abby’s presence poised to grow in future seasons, The Last of Us may be laying groundwork for Dever’s long-term recognition in the series.

As of April 22, no final decision has been made.