Anthony Mackie expressed surprise when he learned he had earned an Emmy nomination this month, not just for his costars but for himself. The actor, known for his role in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was nominated in the category of Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in Apple TV+’s The Studio, highlighting the unexpected nature of this recognition in his career.
Mackie’s Emmy Competition Includes Hollywood Legends and Costars
While on set, Mackie discovered his nomination and acknowledged the tough competition he faces, including Jon Bernthal from The Bear and several colleagues from The Studio such as Bryan Cranston, Dave Franco, and even iconic directors like Ron Howard and Martin Scorsese, who appear playing themselves in the series. Despite the high-profile rivals, Mackie approached the situation with characteristic humor and confidence.
The Actor’s Self-Proclaimed “White Dude Legend” Status
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Mackie joked about his reputation for bringing award attention to those he works with. He remarked,
“I was at work…and I look over and everybody’s like, ‘Congratulations!” And I was like, ‘Oh, what white dude got nominated?’”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
He continued to claim a unique influence in Hollywood, saying,
“Cause I’m the white dude legend when it comes to nominations and wins.”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
Mackie humorously credited himself for the acclaim of various stars, stating,
“So I made Ryan Gosling famous, I made Jeremy Renner famous, I made Bryan Cranston famous, I made — now — Ron Howard famous. I’m like, ‘If you want to get nominated, I’m the dude.’”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
Track Record of Costarring with Award-Nominated Actors
There appears to be a pattern where actors who share the screen with Mackie find themselves receiving major award nods. He highlighted his role in Ryan Gosling’s early success for Half Nelson, which earned Gosling his first best actor Oscar nomination in 2006. Similarly, Mackie worked alongside Jeremy Renner in The Hurt Locker in 2008, leading to Renner’s first Oscar nomination in the same category.
Mackie’s collaboration with Bryan Cranston in the 2016 television movie All the Way coincided with Cranston receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie. While Cranston was not new to accolades, the connection added to Mackie’s reputation as a bringer of good fortune.
Of course, many of Mackie’s current fellow nominees, including Ron Howard and Martin Scorsese, are already decorated with a multitude of awards spanning Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, and even Grammys, emphasizing the level of competition.
Playful Banter about Being Hollywood’s “Secret Sauce”
When Jimmy Fallon joked that Mackie might be the “secret sauce” attracting awards to his projects, Mackie wholeheartedly agreed, adding humorously,
“I am the jelly in the doughnut, you know what I’m saying?”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
The Emmy category Mackie is nominated in is notably competitive. Mackie showed respect for the gravity of facing such illustrious contenders but maintained a lighthearted outlook on his chances.
He remarked,
“So the way I look at it, I’m very honored and proud to be nominated. But the reality of it is, I’m excited to be in second place, because it’s Ron Howard and Scorsese. So one of them is going to take it, but they’re going to take votes from the other person, so I’m going to be in second.”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
Mackie Embraces the Honor Beyond Winning
For Mackie, simply being nominated alongside such acclaimed figures is a victory in itself. He confidently declared,
“Winning is being nominated against Scorsese and Ron Howard, because one of them gonna have to say, ‘Damn, I lost to Anthony Mackie.’”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
He playfully hinted that his renowned competitors might be uneasy about the possibility of losing to him, showing his mix of confidence and humor as the awards approach.
Upcoming Emmy Awards and Mackie’s Role in Hollywood’s Award Season
The Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS, where the results of this notable category will be revealed. Mackie’s nomination not only highlights his individual talent but also reinforces his emerging reputation as a positive influence on costars’ award success.
Whether or not Mackie takes home the Emmy, his claim as a “good luck charm” for other actors resonates as a unique aspect of his career, adding to his persona in Hollywood circles while intensifying interest in his ongoing projects.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anthony Mackie done with Marvel?
A. Anthony Mackie has announced that he will reprise his role as Captain America in the movie “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Q. Are Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan actually friends?
A. Over the years, Mackie and Stan build a strong friendship based on laughter and respect. Initially marked by teasing and rivalry, their bond eventually deepens into genuine support and camaraderie.
