7 Female Nominees Breaking Barriers at the 2025 Emmys

The 2025 Emmy Awards are almost here, and this year, women are taking center stage like never before. From legendary performers to rising stars, these nominees are breaking barriers, setting records, and redefining what it means to be a woman in Hollywood and in life. Their work shines a light on real stories, complex characters, and the power of representation. Here’s a look at seven female nominees who are breaking barriers at this year’s Emmys.

Kathy Bates – Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Matlock)

Kathy Bates is making history this year with her Emmy nomination for the reboot of “Matlock”. At 77, she is the oldest performer ever nominated for the Lead Actress in a Drama award. This is Kathy Bates’ 13th Emmy nomination. She’s proving that age shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your passions.

Ayo Edebiri – Supporting Actress/Director (The Bear)

Ayo Edebiri has also made history this year with her Emmy nominations. She was nominated for both acting and directing in the hit TV series “The Bear”. She is the first woman to be nominated for both acting and directing in a comedy series in the same year. She’s also the youngest black woman to be nominated for three acting Emmys in her career.

Meghann Fahy – Lead Actress in a Limited Series (Sirens)

Meghann Fahy was shocked to learn that she was nominated for Lead Actress for her role in Netflix’s “Sirens”. We aren’t as shocked. Fahy has been playing powerful female characters since her time back on shows like “The Bold Type”.

Keri Russell – Lead Actress in a Drama Series (The Diplomat)

Keri Russel has been nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “The Diplomat”. Russell plays Kate Wyler, a woman (and mom) navigating a male-dominated world, overcoming sexism, and succeeding despite being underestimated. Her resilience and intelligence inspire us.

Read more about empowering moms in movies here: Top 10 TV and Movie Moms That We Love

Cate Blanchett – Lead Actress in a Limited Series (Disclaimer)

Cate Blanchett has been nominated this year for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie in “Disclaimer”. In it, she plays a journalist haunted by her past.

Quinta Brunson – Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Abbott Elementary)

Quinta Brunson, the genius behind the beloved show “Abbot Elementary,” is breaking barriers with her Emmy nominations. At the 75th Emmys, she became the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in over 40 years. At this year’s Emmys, she’s nominated for Lead Actress and Writer for “Abbott Elementary”.

Natasha Rothwell – The White Lotus

Natasha Rothwell isn’t just breaking barriers on screen as Belinda in “The White Lotus.” She’s also a powerhouse behind the scenes. As a writer, producer, and creator, she amplifies women’s voices in comedy and media. She’s body-positive and actively seeks ways to empower Black women’s voices. Proving that women can make a difference in their work and in life.

Female Empowerment Matters, On and Off the Screen

These shows feature real women and their authentic life stories. At the same time, the actresses themselves continue to be trailblazers and “firsts” in their fields.

Whether they were breaking down barriers in work or empowering women, we’re excited to see the 2025 Emmys.

Love movies and female empowerment? Read our blog: 5 Final Girls In Horror Movies Who Taught Us to Face Our Fears