Harrison Ford, renowned for iconic roles like Indiana Jones and Han Solo, has reached a new career milestone by earning his first-ever Emmy nomination. At age 83, Ford received a nod for his supporting role in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking, marking a significant achievement in his more than five-decade-long career.
This nomination represents an important moment for Ford as he becomes the second-oldest contender ever nominated in the supporting actor in a comedy category, following Alan Arkin, who was 86 when nominated for Netflix’s The Kominsky Method in 2020.
Recognition for Role as Dr. Paul Rhoades in ‘Shrinking’
Ford’s Emmy nomination honors his portrayal of Dr. Paul Rhoades, a candid yet compassionate therapist and mentor featured in Shrinking. Although the show’s first season received critical acclaim and Ford’s performance was widely praised, he was surprisingly overlooked for an Emmy then. The series, which is created by Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, and Bill Lawrence, returned to screens this year with a second season that garnered strong reviews from both critics and audiences alike.
Expanding Television Recognition Beyond Film Legacy
While Harrison Ford is celebrated globally for his film work, including legendary roles such as Han Solo in Star Wars and the titular character in Indiana Jones, this nomination marks his first recognition by the Television Academy. Prior to this, his only major award nomination was an Academy Award nod for Best Actor for the 1985 thriller Witness.

Ford’s enduring presence in television this year extends beyond comedy, as he is also nominated for his dramatic role as Jacob Dutton, head of the Dutton family, in Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ Western drama 1923. This dual nomination underscores Ford’s versatility and rising prominence in TV.
Additional Nominations and Emmy Ceremony Details
Ford’s nomination for Shrinking is among several for the series, which continues to build momentum amid its sophomore season. The 77th Emmy Awards nominations were officially announced by actors Harvey Guillén, known for What We Do in the Shadows, and Brenda Song of Running Point, from the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood.
“What We Do in the Shadows,” —Harvey Guillén
Alongside his comedy nod, Ford also appears on the ballot for Lead Actor in a Drama for 1923. At 83, he becomes the oldest nominee ever in that category, surpassing Anthony Hopkins’ record set in 2017 when he was 79 for his work on Westworld. This nomination also marks the first major Emmy recognition for any show within Taylor Sheridan’s expanding television universe; previously, the 1883 miniseries had secured Creative Arts Emmy nominations for music and cinematography.
Other notable contributors to these projects include composers Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian, as well as cinematographers Ben Richardson and Christina Alexandra Voros, who received recognition for their work on 1883.
Upcoming 77th Emmy Awards and Broadcast Information
The 77th Emmy Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, is scheduled to air live on Sunday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS. For viewers who prefer streaming, the event will also be available live and on demand through select Paramount+ packages, allowing audiences nationwide to celebrate the accomplishments of television’s top performers and creatives.
Significance of Harrison Ford’s Emmy Recognition
Harrison Ford’s Emmy nomination milestone reflects both a personal and professional evolution, allowing one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars to gain formal acknowledgment in television. His success across genres—from blockbuster films to acclaimed TV dramas and comedies—highlights the dynamic range Ford continues to demonstrate during the later stages of his career.
As Shrinking and 1923 maintain strong followings, this recognition could boost visibility and appreciation for Ford’s recent projects while inspiring other veteran performers pursuing television roles. The anticipation surrounding the Emmy ceremony will focus keenly on Ford’s historic nominations and the potential for further accolades in this transitional moment for his career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Harrison Ford diagnosed with?
A. Ford’s representatives told USA TODAY about the diagnosis. Shingles happens when the varicella-zoster virus comes back in someone who has had chickenpox before. This is based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q. What’s the age gap between Harrison Ford and his wife?
A. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart met at the 2002 Golden Globe Awards. At the time, Ford was 60 and Flockhart was 38. Despite their 22-year age difference, they felt a strong bond, which went against common Hollywood norms.
Q. How did Harrison Ford get facial scars?
A. Harrison Ford’s story is quite simple: when he was young, he began driving without fastening his seatbelt, struggled to find it, and accidentally hit a telephone pole.
Q. What was the age difference between Harrison Ford and his wife?
A. In 2002, 60-year-old Harrison Ford met 38-year-old Calista Flockhart. The 22-year age difference might have led to rumors, but their bond quieted any concerns. Ford, famous from Indiana Jones and The Fugitive, and Flockhart, known for Ally McBeal, didn’t seem like a likely couple at first.