'The Pitt' guest stars Brittany Allen, Jeff Kober submitted themselves for Emmy nominations

HBO submitted 14 actors from 'The Pitt' for consideration but left Allen and Kober out of its guest acting slate

he Pitt guest stars Brittany Allen and Jeff Kober have said that self-belief paid off after both secured Primetime Emmy nominations by submitting their performances themselves when HBO Max opted not to campaign for them. Their unexpected nods have emerged as one of the most talked-about stories of this year's Emmy race.

Allen was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her moving performance as terminal cancer patient Roxie Hamler, while Kober received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Duke Ekins, the biker friend of Dr Robby (Noah Wyle). Neither actor was included in HBO Max's official submissions, prompting them to launch their own campaigns.

Allen said the recognition has already begun to change her career.

"A week ago I couldn't get a good agent if my life depended on it, and in the last hour, I think that's already starting to change," she told Variety, adding that industry recognition gives performers credibility and can open doors that were previously shut.

The actress explained that self-submitting was not unfamiliar to her, having campaigned for herself earlier in her career.

"I tend to do well when I'm in an underdog position," Allen said. "I get fired up when I get a no."

Kober, meanwhile, said the nomination meant a great deal because it honoured work he was personally proud of rather than a studio-led campaign.

The veteran actor reflected on joining The Pitt at the last minute, saying he had very little time to prepare before stepping into the role of Duke. Despite the tight turnaround, his performance struck a chord with Emmy voters and critics alike.

HBO Max submitted 14 performers from The Pitt for Emmy consideration but left Allen and Kober out of its official guest acting slate. Rather than accept the omission, both actors filed their own submissions with the Television Academy, a decision that ultimately paid off.

Their success contributed to an exceptional year for The Pitt, which led the 2026 Emmy nominations with 25 nods, including Outstanding Drama Series and a Lead Actor nomination for Noah Wyle. The series also picked up multiple supporting and guest acting nominations, cementing its place as this year's most recognised drama.

Allen said the experience is a reminder that performers should keep advocating for themselves, even when the odds appear stacked against them. Their nominations have quickly become an inspiring example in Hollywood that determination and self-belief can sometimes achieve what traditional awards campaigns cannot.