FX’s The Bear continues its Emmy streak — and this year, it comes with a historic milestone.
Ayo Edebiri has officially made Emmy history, becoming the first woman ever nominated for both acting and directing in a comedy series in the same year. The breakout star of The Bear earned a nod for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sydney Adamu in the series’ third season, as well as her first-ever directing nomination for helming the emotionally resonant episode “Napkins.”
The third season of The Bear earned 13 nominations overall, bringing the show’s total to 49 Emmy nominations across three seasons. While that number is lower than its record-setting 23 nods from season two, it remains a strong showing — especially as seven other shows, including Severance, The Penguin, and The White Lotus, received more nominations this year.
Still, Edebiri’s double nomination is a major achievement and marks a new chapter in her rapid rise through Hollywood. In 2023, she won her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She was nominated in the lead actress category last year but lost to Hacks’ Jean Smart. This year, she faces a tough field again — including Smart, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Nobody Wants This star Kristen Bell, and The Residence’s Uzo Aduba.
Her directing nomination comes for the “Napkins” episode, a standout of season three that shifts focus to Liza Colón-Zayas’ character Tina. The episode, which explores Tina’s backstory and her journey to joining the team at The Beef, was widely praised for its emotional depth and visual storytelling. Edebiri not only made her directorial debut with this episode but now becomes the first woman ever recognized in both lead acting and directing for a comedy in a single Emmy year.
Colón-Zayas was also nominated again for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, having won in the same category last year — making history as the first Latina to win the award.
Other returning Bear nominees include Jeremy Allen White (lead actor), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (supporting actor), Jon Bernthal (guest actor), Olivia Colman and Jamie Lee Curtis (guest actresses), and categories such as sound editing, casting, picture editing, and Outstanding Comedy Series.
Last season, The Bear swept the major comedy acting categories and won 11 Emmys in total — including directing, supporting actor and actress, lead actor, and guest categories. However, it lost the top comedy series prize to Hacks. Season one won 10 Emmys out of 13 nominations.
While season three didn’t generate the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessors, the show’s impact — particularly through standout performances and bold creative choices — still resonates with Emmy voters. Season four, which recently premiered, won’t be eligible for consideration until next year’s ceremony.
Beyond The Bear, this year’s nominations were filled with historic moments. Kathy Bates became the oldest woman ever nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Matlock. And Harrison Ford earned his first Emmy nomination, thanks to Shrinking.
The 77th Emmy Awards will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025, with comedian Nate Bargatze set to host.
Whether Edebiri takes home another trophy or not, her dual nominations have already secured her place in Emmy history — proving her talents extend far beyond the kitchen at The Beef.