Friends was a golden child at the Emmys black in the day. The show bagged a total of 62 nominations and six wins. Many of the main cast members (Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer) got their slice of the Emmy pie. As they dabbled in starring, producing, and directing other top-notch TV shows, their collective Emmy count reached an impressive 34 nominations. Surprisingly, it is the whimsical Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow, who leads the pack with 14 Emmy nominations. 

Yet, one among the six never walked away with an Emmy for their role in the iconic sitcom and never even received a nomination. 

The Friend who got the short end of the stick at the Emmys 

Contrary to what many fans might assume, the six main Friends cast members were not automatic Emmy contenders every season. Competing not just against actors from other shows but also amongst themselves, it was not a sure thing. Amidst this fierce competition, Courteney Cox stood alone as the sole member of the main Friends cast without an Emmy nomination throughout the show’s run. Cox’s character steered through crucial storylines, including her romance with Chandler Bing.

Cox’s outstanding performance, however, still was not enough to secure her an Emmy nod, a contrast to her main co-stars, who all received at least one. Why Courteney Cox never received an Emmy nomination for portraying Monica Geller, remains a mystery. Yet, this is not the first time an actor or actress has been overlooked by award committees. 

Even at the 2024 Emmys, some of the year’s best shows were snubbed. However, the ceremony still made sure not to let Friends slip through the cracks of memory.

The surprises and snubs at the 2024 Emmys

Success, The Bear, and Beef took the lion’s share of awards at the Emmys, leaving little wiggle room for other series to make their mark. A handful of other contenders, like Abbott Elementary, Dahmer, and Black Bird, nabbed one trophy each. All in all, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards unfolded as expected, honoring the deserving contenders. Unfortunately, the triumvirate’s dominance meant that some noteworthy 2022–23 shows were left out in the cold, including Andor, The Last of Us, and Yellowjackets.

Nevertheless, even after two decades, Friends was not forgotten at the Emmys. This year, they paid a touching tribute to the late Matthew Perry, famed for his role in the timeless sitcom. The tribute kicked off with a musical performance by Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty. To also add an emotional touch, Perry’s portrait marked the moving end to the on-screen tribute remembering Hollywood luminaries lost in 2023.

What do you think about the Friends reign at the Emmys? Also, let us know your thoughts in the comment below!