Alexis Bledel has withdrawn from Emmy consideration due to new, somewhat-convoluted rule

This is mildly notable in and of itself for fans of television, and somewhat notable for Emmys enthusiasts. However, it's definitely notable as a reflection of a new rule for Emmys categorization that is starting to sow seemingly more chaos than intended.

The new Emmys rule says that an actor who has previously been nominated in lead or supporting for a show cannot submit in a guest category for the same show. In 2017, Bledel won Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series for "The Handmaid's Tale." The next year, since she appeared in seven of the 13 eligible episodes, Bledel was moved to Supporting Actress. Under the old rules, she was then able to submit as a guest actress again, and she was indeed nominated in 2020 and 2021.

Now, though, the rules say Bledel can't do that because of that one supporting nomination. The Emmys were going to move her to Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, and Bledel decided against bothering with that and withdrew instead.

This is just one such example of the logistical rigamarole in place now. Meryl Streep likely would have submitted for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for "Only Murders in the Building," but now will instead try and score a supporting nod. Well, she is Meryl Streep.

All things considered, this does seem overly strict. Actors leave shows, and thus leave casts, but return at some point to make a guest appearance. Under these new rules, Steve Carell would have had to submit as a supporting actor for popping up in the series finale of "The Office." That doesn't really make sense.

Had Emmy voters been riding the enthusiasm wave for the final season of "The Handmaid's Tale," Bledel may have been able to grab another Guest Actress win, or at least a nomination. Now, though, that's not in the cards.

(h/t Variety)