Don Cheadle Doesn’t Get His Emmy Nomination, Either

Today’s Emmy Award nominations came with plenty of snubs and surprises, but one of the more shocking nods was Don Cheadle‘s nomination for a two-minute cameo. The actor was recognized in the category Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as James Rhodes in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode titled “New World Order.”

Cheadle reprised his role for the Disney+ series after playing Rhodes in Iron Man 2 and going on to appear in seven Marvel films as the character. But his sliver of screen time in Falcon and the Winter Soldier — which features his character with Sam (Anthony Mackie), asking him why he gave up the shield given to him by Captain America (Chris Evans) — was enough to land him his 11th Emmy nomination.

If it seems like an odd choice for the awards to you, Cheadle agrees. After this morning’s nominations were announced, he wrote on Twitter, “Thanks, well wishers. sorry, haters. agreed, 🤷🏿‍♂️ers. i don’t really get it either. buuuuuuuuuut on we go …”

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier head writer Malcolm Spellman previously told Decider that putting Mackie and Cheadle in a scene together created “a poignant moment” in the series. He added, “We didn’t want to hit anybody on the head, but we thought it would be very, very apparent. These are the two main Black superheroes in the Marvel Universe, having a quiet moment together. And because of the level that Don Cheadle and Anthony are [at] as actors, a ton is conveyed in just moments and glances between them.”

Cheadle’s nomination is another shot at the actor securing his very first Emmy. He’s been previously nominated for his roles in Black Monday, House of Lies, ER, Things Behind the Sun, A Lesson Before Dying and The Rat Pack. Cheadle also earned an Oscar nod for his role in the 2004 drama Hotel Rwanda. 

Along with Cheadle, the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series category is packed with all-star talent this year. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier actor is joined by Courtney B. Vance (Lovecraft Country), Charles Dance (The Crown), Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian) and Carl Weathers (The Mandalorian).

This year’s Emmy Awards will be hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and will take place with a limited in-person audience made up of nominees and their guests. The 73rd Emmys will be broadcast live Sunday, Sep. 19 at 8/7c on CBS.

Where to watch The Falcon and the Winter Soldier