Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has received his first Emmy nomination for acting, securing a spot in the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category on Tuesday. The director, known for classics like Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, appeared as himself in the pilot episode of Apple TV+’s Hollywood satire The Studio earlier this year. This marks his 13th overall Emmy nomination across his career.
Context Behind Scorsese’s Role in The Studio
In the episode titled The Promotion, Seth Rogen’s character Matt Remick, a newly appointed studio head and passionate movie lover, struggles to get a Kool-Aid film underway. Remick seeks to create artful movies beyond typical franchise formulas, leading him to meet with Scorsese about a Jonestown film project. The director is committed to the Jonestown story, but Remick tries to twist the pitch into the Kool-Aid adaptation, referencing Jim Jones’ frequently misunderstood association with the drink. Scorsese’s performance was directed by Rogen and series co-creator Evan Goldberg.
Behind the Scenes: Directing Martin Scorsese
Co-creator Evan Goldberg shared his experience directing Scorsese in a recent interview with TheWrap, saying,
“At one point we were filming a moment with him and Charlize [Theron], and he kept muttering something to her. I went over and asked what it was and they said, ‘Nothing.’ And then after it was all done, they admitted to me that he knew we were doing something wrong, but he didn’t want to backseat direct. He was just like, ‘They’ll get there.’ And we did.”
— Evan Goldberg
Seth Rogen also offered a lighthearted comment about the process, stating,
“He could have saved us 45 minutes. Whatever.”
— Seth Rogen
Scorsese’s Acting Appearances Prior to The Studio
While Martin Scorsese is primarily celebrated as one of the greatest living filmmakers, he has occasionally performed on screen. His frequent cameos include roles in his own films, most recently narrating on the radio in the closing moments of Killers of the Flower Moon. He has also appeared in Robert Redford’s Quiz Show and television comedies such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and 30 Rock.
History of Scorsese’s Emmy and Oscar Recognitions
Scorsese’s Emmy journey began in 1995 with a nomination for his musical documentary Eric Clapton: Nothing But the Blues, honored in the now-defunct Outstanding Cultural Program category. Over the years, he has received 12 additional Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series in 2011 for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. He earned two more Emmy wins the following year for the music documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World, taking home awards for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Direction for Nonfiction Programming.
On the film side, Scorsese’s relationship with the Academy Awards is long-standing. His first Oscar nomination came in 1981 for directing Raging Bull, followed by nine more directing nods before he won for The Departed in 2006. With ten directing nominations total, he is the second most nominated director in Oscar history, just behind William Wyler’s twelve. Across directing, writing, and producing categories, Scorsese has accumulated 16 Oscar nominations throughout his career.
Current Emmy Competition and The Studio’s Unique Cast
In the Television Academy’s Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category, Scorsese competes alongside fellow The Studio guest stars such as Bryan Cranston, Ron Howard, Anthony Mackie, and Dave Franco, as well as last year’s winner Jon Bernthal for The Bear. A total of 12 industry figures appeared as themselves in The Studio, including Zac Efron, Zoe Kravitz, Greta Lee, Sarah Polley, Nicholas Stoller, Olivia Wilde, Ramy Youssef, and journalist Matt Belloni.
Emmy Awards Ceremony Details
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+. Comedian Nate Bargatze has been announced as the host for the ceremony.
The Significance of Scorsese’s Nomination
Martin Scorsese’s nomination for acting in a comedy series highlights his versatility beyond directing and producing, bringing his presence into the spotlight of television performance. This first acting nomination at the Emmys after 13 previous nominations underlines the continuing impact he has across multiple entertainment mediums. It also reflects the growing appreciation within the Television Academy for established film auteurs branching into new formats and roles. As the awards approach, Scorsese’s participation draws added attention to The Studio and its unique blend of Hollywood satire and real industry voices.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Martin Scorsese religious?
A. Yes, Scorsese has identified as Catholic. He mentioned to NCR that he feels most at ease with Catholic beliefs. Even though he doesn’t go to church every Sunday, he still believes in Catholic teachings. Scorsese stated, “My way has been, and is, Catholicism.”
Q. Does Martin Scorsese have OCD?
A. Famous filmmaker Martin Scorsese reportedly has OCD. He explored this condition in two movies, The Aviator and his first short film, What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This.
