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When today’s Emmy nominations were announced, two beloved industry fixtures who died earlier this year were honored with posthumous nominations. Both director Lynn Shelton and actor Fred Willard received Emmy nominations today, People reports.
Shelton, who was famous for her work on films like Laggies and Your Sister’s Sister, died in May at age 54 from a previously undiagnosed blood disorder. She was nominated for outstanding directing for a limited series for her work on the final episode of Hulu‘s Little Fires Everywhere. While Shelton won two Independent Spirit Awards over the course of her film career, today’s nomination marked her first Emmys recognition.
Shelton’s parents, Wendy Roedell and David “Mac” Shelton, issued a statement today expressing gratitude for her posthumous nomination. “That Lynn is honored by the Television Academy is not only a tribute to her accomplishments as a director but her style of directing,” they stated. “Always in control but kind-hearted. Making the final decisions but always soliciting input from her colleagues.
“Colleagues, yes, that is how she regarded everyone on the set, from grips and gaffers and set and costume designers to the director of photography and the actors. This is an honor for the ultimate collaborationist who knew that she would produce her best if she teased the best out of her teammates.”
Willard, a comedic actor who appeared in films like Anchorman and Best in Show over his decades-long career, died in May at the age of 86. He was nominated today for his final role in Modern Family, the ABC sitcom he starred in for 11 seasons. Willard received a nomination for his work on the episode “Legacy,” where he spends a final day with his son (Ty Burrell) before he dies.
Willard was nominated once before for his Modern Family role as Frank Dunphy back in 2010, and today’s nomination marks his fifth Emmy nod in total.
