'Game of Thrones' Star Gwendoline Christie Explains Her Decision to Self-Submit for Emmys

Game of Thrones has netted numerous Emmy nominations for its final season, even breaking records, but one stands notable among the rest: Gwendoline Christie’s for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which she earned after submitting herself for consideration, rather than being submitted by HBO. This was a move also made by nominees Alfie Allen and Carice van Houten.

This week, Christie explained her rationale behind self-submitting for the award show.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Christie shared that her decision to nominate herself for an Emmy came after getting to know the storyline that her character, Brienne, would go through in the final season. “When I read the script...I was delighted that Brienne had such a full storyline,” she said. “I set about working the hardest I've ever worked to try to bring that to life, because it was happening for the last time. I just wanted the possibility of the opportunity [to be nominated]. I remember talking about it with my team and saying, ‘I feel like I just want to do it for me, for the character.’”

Christie also explained her intense happiness upon hearing of the nomination. “I was in a taxi on my way to work, to the theater, where I'm doing a play at the moment. The phone rang, and it was my publicist,” she explained. “When they said I'd been nominated — well, let me tell you, I experienced every single emotion known to man.” She added that “It means a huge, huge amount to me, and HBO has been very supportive as a consequence of the wonderful nomination.”

As for the significance of the nomination and of Brienne’s journey, Christie explained that she felt it gave the opportunities to “see different kinds of stories” in entertainment. “I will say women often find it difficult to put themselves forward, and maybe that's what we need to take the courage to do in order to see a greater diversity in the world,” she said. “We can empower ourselves by putting ourselves forward for something we never believe is going to happen.”

As for us, we’re over the moon about Christie’s nomination--and, like her, we’re glad that it’s giving the opportunity for new kinds of stories to reach the mainstream. The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on Sept. 22, 2019.