It’s no wonder that Andor has emerged as one of the top contenders for this year’s Emmy Awards, receiving nearly universal critical acclaim. The series has significantly enriched the Star Wars universe in various profound ways, making it a deserving candidate for numerous nominations. As of this writing, Andor has garnered an impressive total of 14 nominations, including the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series. However, it is perplexing to see that none of the principal cast members received nominations for their remarkable performances. While Forest Whitaker earned a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series and Alan Tudyk was recognized for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, it is still astonishing that the majority of the cast did not receive nominations, especially considering their performances are among the most compelling aspects of the show.

Experience the Unforgettable Performances of Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgard, and Genevieve O’Reilly in ‘Andor’

For anyone who has immersed themselves in the world of Andor, it quickly becomes apparent that the series revolves around a dynamic trio of characters: Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, Stellan Skarsgard as Luthen Rael, and Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma. Each of these actors delivers performances that evolve and adapt according to their character’s circumstances, which is particularly fitting for a Star Wars spy thriller set during the peak of the Empire’s oppressive reign. The brilliance of these performances lies in the fact that each actor is given the opportunity to transform based on their character’s growth and development throughout the series.

Diego Luna’s portrayal evolves from that of a self-serving thief to a man who passionately fights for a cause greater than his own; in the climactic episodes of Andor, he matures into the determined warrior that audiences first encountered in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Stellan Skarsgard’s transformation is more pronounced, as Luthen oscillates between the persona of a flamboyant art director in one moment and a cold, strategic mastermind in the next. Yet, it is Genevieve O’Reilly who delivers one of Andor‘s most memorable scenes, with Mon Mothma’s impassioned speech condemning the Ghorman genocide showcasing an intensity that rivals other iconic series like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad.

Diego Luna has also been candid about how both Rogue One and Andor have profoundly transformed his acting career. During a discussion at Variety‘s Drama Actors Roundtable, he reflected on how prior to taking on the role of Cassian Andor, he was often stereotyped in roles as drug dealers, but now he enjoys the freedom to pursue projects that resonate with him:

“Before Star Wars, the only projects I’d get offered would be drug dealers. I could be the nice drug dealer and not the vicious one but still a drug dealer…I can look for the stuff I want to do. It’s that freedom that comes with understanding that people today care about specificity.”

With the incredible range displayed by Luna, Skarsgard, and O’Reilly, it’s quite perplexing that none of them received nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor or Outstanding Supporting Performance. However, there are additional snubs that are even more frustrating upon reflection.

Recognizing the Outstanding Performances of Adria Arjona and Elizabeth Dulau in ‘Andor’

Among the most underrated performances in Andor are those of Adria Arjona and Elizabeth Dulau, who bring to life the characters of Bix Caleen and Kleya Marki, respectively. Both actresses have pivotal moments that showcase their impressive range throughout Andor. In Season 2’s episode titled “What A Festive Ending,” Bix finally confronts the Imperial officer who had tortured her in Season 1, delivering a taste of justice that is both satisfying and cathartic, her expression a mixture of anger and relief. Additionally, in the episode “Welcome to the Rebellion,” Bix delivers a heart-wrenching speech as she parts ways with Cassian, and Arjona’s performance conveys a quiet yet powerful conviction that resonates deeply with viewers.

Elizabeth Dulau also shines in her emotional scene in “Make It Stop,” sharing a poignant moment with Luthen just before she disconnects his life support; this scene is made even more tragic by flashbacks that reveal their past connection. Like her co-star, Dulau possesses a remarkable ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her facial expressions, and it is hoped that other productions will take notice of her talent.

The dedication and artistry that Dulau and Arjona bring to their roles raise a crucial question: Why were they not nominated for Best Supporting Actress? The nomination of Forest Whitaker feels particularly unusual, especially considering that Saw Gerrera appears in only a limited number of episodes. This situation is understandably frustrating, given the exceptional performances delivered by the rest of the cast. While Andor is bound to win some awards, its cast undoubtedly deserves far greater recognition than they have received from the Emmy committee.

Andor is currently available for streaming on Disney+.