Pedro Pascal’s Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in 2025 has stirred controversy, especially considering his limited screen time in the sophomore season of The Last of Us. Though Pascal only appears in three episodes, his role as Joel Miller has ignited discussions about whether his nomination was justified amid strong competition and shifting story focus.
Other Noteworthy Performances in The Last of Us Season Two
While Pascal delivers powerful moments as Joel, he shares the spotlight with other exceptional performances in the series. Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby, despite her brief screen presence, crafts a captivating character and sets the foundation for Season 3’s exploration of Abby’s journey. Catherine O’Hara brings depth as therapist Gail, one of the most compelling original additions to the show’s mythology. Jeffrey Wright also stands out as Issac, WLF leader, offering a portrayal even more chilling than his role in the original game.
Among all performances, Bella Ramsay, playing Ellie Williams, arguably stands out the most. Ramsay earned a Best Actress nomination for her role, reflecting her powerful depiction of Ellie’s evolution from a sarcastic teenager into a young woman grappling with romance, vengeance, and regret. The narrative shift from Joel to Ellie provides Ramsay with a platform to deliver a nuanced and emotionally rich performance that many argue merits prime attention during the Emmy awards consideration.
Pedro Pascal’s Nomination Overshadows Other Deserving Talents
Pascal’s place among the Best Lead Actor nominees has highlighted the 2025 Emmys’ controversial omissions. Several acclaimed series and actors received little recognition, such as the cast of Andor, which, despite gathering 14 nominations overall, saw its performers overlooked individually. Similarly, Squid Game received no nominations this year, despite previous success. The White Lotus picked up numerous nods, yet Patrick Schwarzenegger, one of its breakout stars, was notably excluded.
The snubbing extends to The Last of Us fan favorites as well. On Reddit, viewers advocated for Isabela Merced’s nomination as Dina, underscoring her impactful role in the series. Dina’s relationship with Ellie is a highlight of the season, with Merced featuring prominently, especially in the episode Day One, where her character combats a group of infected. Like Pascal, Merced has also seen a rise in prominent roles, including parts in Alien: Romulus and Superman. This group of performances, alongside others, raises questions about the fairness and comprehensiveness of the Emmy nominations in 2025.
Pascal’s Acting and Emotional Impact Amid Changing Storylines
Pascal’s acting, particularly in the emotional climax of the season’s penultimate episode, The Price, has been praised for its intensity and depth. The episode showcases some of his finest acting work, one so raw that Pascal himself struggled to watch it. This speaks to his talent and commitment. However, the show’s narrative focuses more heavily on character shifts and transformations, spotlighting other characters more central to the story’s present and future.
The early exit of Joel Miller from the storyline—culminating in his violent death by Abby—limits Pascal’s screen-time and influence on the season’s broader emotional arcs. This reduction contrasts sharply with the extended exploration of Ellie’s character, which has provided actors like Ramsay and Merced with more material to demonstrate their range and depth.
Implications of the Emmy Nomination Debate
The discussion around Pedro Pascal’s Emmy nomination underscores larger questions about how award bodies recognize performances, especially in shows where screen time and character focus shift significantly between seasons. While Pascal’s talent remains unquestioned, the nomination appears to some as a symbolic nod rather than a merit-based decision fully grounded in this season’s work.
This controversy may prompt closer scrutiny of nomination criteria and fairness in future awards. Fans and critics alike seem eager for more transparent standards that recognize performances based on narrative significance and screen presence rather than reputation or prior success. As award seasons continue, the debate around Pascal’s nomination may encourage a more nuanced approach to celebrating outstanding acting achievements.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal so loved?
A. Pascal is confident in sharing his opinions on various social issues, such as transgender rights. He strongly supports the trans community and often attends red carpet events with his sister, Lux Pascal.
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. He’s single, with no kids, and doesn’t intend to become a dad. Yet, this actor often chooses roles as a father figure, inspiring fans to create an online persona around it. Interestingly, Pascal not only knows about this but also enjoys engaging with it.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal used Instagram to show his support for LGBTQ+ young people. This happened after the government decided to close the LGBTQ+ support part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. The term “babygirl” is mainly used today to describe male celebrities in Hollywood or fictional middle-aged male characters. This term refers to men who have a gentle and slightly vulnerable demeanor. People often associate actors like Mescal and Pascal with this description, considering them attractive too.
