Connor Storrie Earns First Emmy Nomination for SNL Hosting Despite Heated Rivalry Ineligibility

Connor Storrie has earned his first Emmy nomination for hosting Saturday Night Live, even though his breakthrough role in the Canadian series Heated Rivalry remains ineligible for Academy Awards. The 26-year-old actor hosted the sketch comedy show on February 28 alongside Mumford & Sons as musical guests, securing a nod in the guest actor in a comedy category at the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony.

The SNL Hosting Moment

Storrie's appearance on the long-running NBC program represented a significant career milestone just months after Heated Rivalry premiered. During his hosting duties, the Texas-born actor brought co-star Hudson Williams onto the show for a sketch, showcasing the chemistry that made their on-screen partnership central to the drama's appeal. His performance demonstrated range across multiple characters, from Victorian-era figures to contemporary comedic scenarios, drawing on his improv training at the Groundlings.

"SNL was such a 'pinch me' moment in my career. It was a formative part of my life growing up, so to be recognized by the Academy for hosting feels incredibly surreal. I'm so grateful to everyone who made that night possible."

Why Heated Rivalry Cannot Compete

The hockey romance series, which aired on the Canadian streamer Crave and on HBO Max in the United States, does not meet Emmy eligibility requirements due to its Canadian production status and financing structure. Because the show is produced by a Canadian company for a Canadian broadcaster with no U.S. ownership involvement, it falls outside domestic Emmy consideration. However, Heated Rivalry has accumulated recognition elsewhere, capturing 16 awards at the Canadian Screen Awards, including best drama series, with co-star Hudson Williams earning best lead performer recognition.

A Rapid Ascent

Storrie's trajectory exemplifies the accelerated path to prominence achieved through streaming platform success. Approximately 15 months before his Emmy nomination, he was working as a waiter in Los Angeles while pursuing acting opportunities. The November-to-December run of Heated Rivalry transformed both Storrie and Williams into recognizable international figures almost immediately. Beyond his SNL hosting gig, Storrie has since participated in the 2026 Golden Globes as a presenter, served as a torchbearer during the 2026 Olympic Torch Relay, and made his MET Gala debut. His upcoming projects include an A24 comedy titled Peaked and appearances in Criminal Minds Evolution.

The Creative Arts Emmy ceremony, where Storrie's nomination will be awarded, takes place September 5 and 6, preceding the main televised ceremony on September 12.