Baby Reindeer‘s Nava Mau has made history as the first Latina trans woman to secure an Emmy nomination in the best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie category. Based on the real-life experiences of its creator, comedian Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer recounts Gadd’s time being stalked by a woman (named Martha in the series). Mau, who is of Mexican descent, portrays Terri, a trans therapist involved in a romantic relationship with Gadd’s character, Donny.
Speaking with Deadline about her history-making nomination, Mau shared:
“For trans actors we just don’t get a lot of opportunities to develop our craft, grow as artists, and to be recognized for all that we are and all that we can be. It has been a priceless experience being a part of this show. Every step of the way, I could feel the way the experience was transforming me, my life, and what feels possible. To be recognized by my peers in the Academy is a celebration of that transformation.”
When speaking of her success and what it could mean for other trans performers, Mau added, “when trans people are given the opportunity, we will grow into it and so far beyond any expectation.”
Mau is nominated alongside co-star Jessica Gunning (who portrays Martha in the series), Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge), Aja Naomi King (Lessons in Chemistry), Diane Lane (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans), Dakota Fanning (Ripley), and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country).
Baby Reindeer Earns Major Recognition with Emmy Nominations
Baby Reindeer, a sleeper hit for the streamer, landed 11 Emmy nominations, including for Best Limited or Anthology Series, Best Actor (Gadd), Best Supporting Actor (Tom Goodman-Hall), and Best Writing and Directing. The series has been lauded for its honest exploration of difficult topics, including stalking, sexual abuse, sexual identity, and complex characters. Its earnest take on these themes resonated with Mau, who told the publication:
“I felt like it was the first time I’d ever read something that was written by someone who had actually known and loved a trans woman. I don’t know that Richard had to reach too far because he just had to reach within.”
Baby Reindeer originated as a one-man play written and performed by Gadd. It premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 and then went on to successful runs in London and New York before landing on Netflix in April 2024. Despite making a quiet entrance on the streamer, the seven-episode series quickly rose through the streaming charts and quickly sparked awards season talk.
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Mau joins a limited number of openly trans actresses to earn Emmy acting nominations. Laverne Cox earned four Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black. In 2014, it was for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series. As the show evolved, the category shifted to drama series, where she received nominations in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In 2021, MJ Rodriguez made history as the first trans performer nominated for a Lead Actress Emmy for her portrayal of Blanca Evangelista in Pose.
The
76th Emmy Awards
will air live ABC on Sunday, September 15, and stream the following day on Hulu.