Harrison Ford, 83, Scores First Emmy Nomination for Shrinking
Oh, fantastic. Harrison Ford, who apparently never sleeps, has just snagged his first Emmy nomination at age 83 for his role in Apple TV Plus’s Shrinking. The nomination, announced by the Television Academy on July 12, 2023, marks a milestone after decades of career highlights that somehow never translated into Emmy attention. Ford is competing in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category, sharing the spotlight with veterans and breakout talents alike.
Ford’s character, Jimmy Lucas, is a grief counselor who stirs up professional controversy by being too honest with his patients. The dramedy, co-created by Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence, leans into emotional truth and wry humor. Variety hailed Ford’s performance as “unexpectedly tender,” while The Hollywood Reporter praised his timing and the way he embodies a man making sense of loss. Shrinking also earned nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Michael Urie, making it one of Apple TV Plus’s most celebrated shows this year.
Before this, Ford had four Oscar nods for roles in Witness and The Fugitive among others, yet the Emmy podium remained elusive. Industry insiders at Deadline noted that his move into television with Shrinking was a strategic pivot that showcased a comedic side audiences rarely get to see. Ford’s collaboration with Segel, who also stars as therapist Jimmy’s colleague, brought a fresh dynamic that critics say fueled the show’s award appeal. Jessica Williams and Christa Miller round out the cast, adding youthful energy and sharp wit to each episode.
At 83, Ford becomes one of the oldest actors ever nominated for a lead Emmy, only behind a handful of supporting nominees in television history. Emmys historian Tom O’Neil pointed out that this could inspire more seasoned film stars to embrace serialized television. Apple TV Plus issued a press release celebrating the nods and highlighting the series’ blend of heartfelt storytelling and smart comedy.
Fans have taken to social media to congratulate Ford, with #HarrisonFordEmmy trending on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement. While some viewers tease that Ford might finally snatch an award after years of just missing out at the Oscars, others simply relish seeing Han Solo and Indiana Jones tackling neuroses instead of blasters and ancient artifacts. The Emmys ceremony is set for September 18, 2023, and Ford faces stiff competition from established names and viral sensations.
Whether this nomination turns into hardware is anyone’s guess. What matters is that Ford’s turn in Shrinking has broken through the television awards barrier, proving that career longevity can still yield first-time accolades. For a guy who has outrun boulders, battled supernatural forces and navigated stormtroopers, scoring an Emmy nod might be his most gratifying pursuit yet. Well, that was a wrinkle in the routine. Time to move on.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Television Academy, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Apple TV Plus Press Release
Attribution: Beth Dubber (Creative Commons)
