75th Primetime Emmys: All the Ways the Show Could Make History

The 2023 Emmys are upon us after being delayed from their originally scheduled broadcast date due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which put Hollywood on pause for nearly half a year. The late date and the fact that they're the first Emmys of the post-strike era already makes the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards historic (as does that 75th anniversary), but there are still some other moments to be on the lookout for.

There are a few potential record-extenders and first-time history-makers among the nominees, so here's a look at how this year's show might be remembered for years to come.

The Wins That Could Make History

There are multiple actors and actresses who could shatter records at the Emmys and make huge strides for diverse representation in television.

Jenna Ortega could become the youngest winner in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category ever for her performance in the titular role in Tim Burton's Wednesday, beating America Ferrera’s record for her Ugly Betty win in 2007. Ortega would also be only the second Latina actress to ever win after Ferrara. And if Quinta Brunson wins for her performance in Abbott Elementary in the same category, she would become only the second Black woman to win and the first since Isabel Sanford in 1981 for The Jeffersons.

Brunson's Abbott Elementary co-star Tyler James Williams is also slated for a historical first if he wins in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category, becoming only the second Black actor to do so. The first and only Black actor to win Supporting Comedy Actor is Robert Guillaume, who won for playing Benson DuBois on Soap in 1979.

Beyond comedy series categories, there are a couple of other celebrities who could break ground with Emmy wins. Ali Wong could become the first woman of Asian descent to win in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series category for Beef, and her co-stars Young Mazino or Joseph Lee could become the first actors of Asian descent to win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series category. And Will Sharpe could become the first actor of Asian descent to win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category for his performance as Ethan in HBO's The White Lotus.

Joining Sharpe in potentially making history at the 2023 Emmys is his co-star Aubrey Plaza, who could become the first actress of Latin descent to ever win in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. Similarly, Camila Morrone could become the first actress of a Latin descent to win in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series category for her performance in Prime Video's Daisy Jones & The Six.

The Wins That Could Extend (And Make) Records

Four long-running shows and one TV newcomer have the potential to break records at the Emmys this upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

NBC's Saturday Night Live could extend its record as the most awarded TV program in the Emmys history. So far, the Lorne Michaels-created variety comedy show has won 87 Emmys (93 counting specials) and it is nominated for 10 more awards this year. RuPaul's Drag Race, which has been running for 16 seasons and counting, may extend its record as the most-awarded reality program in Emmys history. RuPaul already extended his record as the most-awarded host in Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program with a win at the Creative Arts Emmys last week, winning his eighth consecutive trophy, which is also a record.

Matt Groening's satirical animated sitcom The Simpsons is its streak as the most awarded cartoon in Emmys history, and won its 12th Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program at the Creative Arts Emmys. (South Park is in a distant second place with five wins.)

Lastly, CBS' The Amazing Race could extend its record as the program with the most wins in the Outstanding Reality Competition Program category, having already garnered 10 trophies in previous years.

Elsewhere on television, HBO's apocalyptic horror-drama The Last of Us could become the first live-action video game adaptation to win in any of the major categories at the Primetime Emmys.

The Other Wins That Would Be Rare

Speaking of The Last of Us, its male lead, Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, could make history if he snags some trophies at the 2023 Emmys. He could become the first Chilean (and first Latino actor) to win the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series if he nabs the Emmy for his performance as jaded survivalist Joel. He could also could become the Latino with the most Emmy wins in one year if all of his three nominations turn into wins (he is nominated for The Last Of Us, hosting SNL and narrating CNN’s Patagonia).

Pascal isn't the only Last of Us alum who could make (or break) Emmys records: his co-star, Bella Ramsey, could become the youngest winner in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category for their performance as Joel's ward and surrogate daughter, Ellie, beating Zendaya’s record. They would also become the first openly non-binary actor to win an Emmy. And Keivonn Montreal Woodard could become the first deaf actor to ever win an Emmy and, at 10-years-old, also the youngest male actor to ever do so if he wins in the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series category. (Even without a win, Woodard has already broken a record as the first-ever Black deaf actor to be nominated for an Emmy.)

(Some data provided by VegasInsider.com.)

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Fox.