'The Boys' submits 28 actors for 2026 Emmys as Antony Starr, Jensen Ackles lead awards push

As awards season approaches, Prime Video is mounting an ambitious Emmy campaign for the fifth and final season of the hit superhero satire The Boys.

Producers have reportedly submitted 28 cast members for consideration at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, hoping to secure long-awaited acting recognition for the series.

Among the performers submitted are Antony Starr for his portrayal of the ruthless Homelander, Karl Urban as Billy Butcher, Erin Moriarty as Starlight, and Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy. The campaign also includes several supporting and guest performers, with appearances from high-profile names such as Samuel L. Jackson drawing additional attention.

Series creator Eric Kripke recently praised Starr's performance on social media, with many fans arguing that the actor's portrayal of Homelander has been one of television's most compelling performances in recent years. Despite widespread acclaim from audiences and critics, Starr has yet to receive an Emmy nomination for the role.

Since its debut in 2019, The Boys has become one of Prime Video's biggest original series, earning praise for its dark humor, social commentary and subversive take on the superhero genre. The show has previously received Emmy recognition in technical and stunt categories but has struggled to break into the major acting races.

With the series concluding its run earlier this year, many fans believe the final season could provide the academy with one last opportunity to recognize the cast's work. Online discussions have already intensified, with viewers campaigning for nominations across multiple categories.

The official Emmy nominations are expected to be announced in early July, when it will become clear whether The Boys can finally convert years of fan support into acting nominations. For many viewers, the biggest question remains whether Antony Starr's chilling performance as Homelander will finally receive the recognition they believe it deserves.