Linda Cardellini Wins First Emmy for ‘DTF St. Louis,’ Calls It “A Real Dream Come True”

Linda Cardellini has finally won an Emmy. The acclaimed actress took home the prize for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in HBO Max’s ‘DTF St. Louis’ at Sunday’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

The win represents a significant career milestone for Cardellini, who had been nominated four times before but had never won. She previously earned recognition for her work in ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Dead to Me’, but Sunday night marked her first trip to the Emmy winner’s circle.

Cardellini was recognized for playing Carol Love-Smernitch in the HBO Max dark comedy limited series. She beat out a strong field that included Dakota Fanning, Laurie Metcalf, her ‘DTF St. Louis’ co-star Joy Sunday, Youn Yuh-jung, and Constance Zimmer.

Notably, Cardellini shared the category with Sunday, who earned her first Emmy nomination for the series. During her acceptance speech, an emotional Cardellini described the moment as “a real dream come true,” visibly tearful as she reflected on the recognition.

Cardellini has built a versatile career across television and film, moving seamlessly between comedy, drama, and darker character-driven roles. Her previous Emmy nominations included a 2013 nod for Guest Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Mad Men’ and two nominations tied to ‘Dead to Me’ in 2020.

Sunday’s nomination represented her first recognition in the supporting actress category for a limited series, and she ultimately converted it into her first Emmy victory.

Cardellini wasn’t the only ‘DTF St. Louis’ performer celebrating. David Harbour also won his first Emmy, taking home Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Floyd Smernitch.

The series made a strong showing at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, held September 5 and 6 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place September 14 on NBC and Peacock, with Mariska Hargitay hosting.

For Cardellini, the win caps more than two decades of acclaimed television work with her first Emmy of her own.