SNL scored 18 Emmy nominations but only one for a main cast member

Saturday Night Live may not have had its best season. The 49th season was so middling that cast member Kenan Thompson even made a joke about it during the finale. That being said, the Emmy Awards didn't mind, as they awarded SNL a whopping 18 nominations on Wednesday, July 17.

Several of the standout hosts from season 49 were highlighted and nominated. Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph earned nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, which looks great on the show given that both actresses are former cast members.

Bowen Yang was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor

Then there was Ryan Gosling, who landed his first-ever Emmy nomination for his exemplary job hosting what was probably the best and most memorable season 49 episode. Tons of other massive names were nominated for their guest stints, including Josh Brolin and Timothee Chalamet, but only one nominee was actually an SNL cast member.

Bowen Yang was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Variety Series. This is actually the second time Yang has been nominated, but the first as a full-fledged cast member. He was nominated for the same award in 2021, making him the first featured player to be nominated for the award. He was also the first Chinese-American cast member to be nominated.

Yang was previously nominated for an Emmy in 2021

Yang reflected on his SNL process, and how it has changed since he was promoted to main cast member. "I think I've loosened my grip a little recently," he told In Style. "I would go into each season with so many promises to myself or really concrete, maybe overly defined goals." The comedian said that once he did so, he was able to enjoy himself more:

"I’m trying to not be as self-prescriptive or stubborn with myself because then it leaves room for surprise and delight."

The approach has seemingly worked. Not only has Bowen Yang become one of the most famous faces on Saturday Night Live, but he's booked supporting roles in blockbuster films like Bros and Wicked. We get the feeling there are a few more Emmy nominations in his future.