Director-actor candidly reflects on his first acting Emmy nomination: “I’m just enjoying the ride”

Riding the Wave Without Counting Wins

September 6, 2025: Renowned filmmaker Ron Howard, already a three-time Emmy winner, is embracing a new milestone: his first acting nomination. He’s up for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in the satirical series The Studio on Apple TV+. But don’t bring up odds or pools—Howard and his family are “a little too superstitious” to place any bets, he reveals, gently pushing superstition over speculation.

From Behind the Camera to Sitcom Spotlight

Howard’s acting nod comes as a delightful surprise to many, given his long-standing fame as a director and producer. In The Studio, he plays a fictionalized version of himself, and this turn earned him his 14th Primetime Emmy nomination. Reflecting on the shift, Howard called it amusing to be recognized for acting after decades of behind-the-scenes success.

Just Happy to Be Here

“I’ve been so relaxed,” Howard shares of the Emmy buildup. “It was such fun doing it.” While he admits he’d welcome a win—“like everybody else who wanders into that room”—his focus remains on celebrating the experience. And already, he’s mentally prepared an acceptance speech—just in case.

Up Against Heavy Hitters

Howard faces stiff competition in the Outstanding Guest Actor category, including fellow Studio castmates Dave Franco, Martin Scorsese, Bryan Cranston, and Anthony Mackie. Yet, it’s the joy of collaboration that seems to matter most to him.

Playing the Long Game

With The Studio earning 23 Emmy nods and streaming now on Apple TV+, the show’s success continues to build. For Howard, nominations and wins aside, the real prize remains enjoying the creative ride with his peers.