Bowen Yang has once again made Emmy history. The Saturday Night Live cast member received his fourth nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his place as the most-nominated Asian male performer in the history of the Emmy Awards.
Yang earned the nod for his standout work on the iconic NBC sketch comedy show. He joins an impressive list of fellow nominees this year, including Ike Barinholtz for The Studio, Colman Domingo for The Four Seasons, Harrison Ford for Shrinking, Jeff Hiller for Somebody Somewhere, Ebon Moss-Bachrach for The Bear, and Michael Urie also for Shrinking.
The 2025 nomination marks a major milestone not just for Yang personally but for broader Asian representation in Hollywood. Actress Sandra Oh still holds the overall record for the most Emmy nominations by an Asian performer, with a total of 14 nominations and one win. Yang, now with four nominations, continues to pave the way for male Asian representation in comedy and beyond.
Yang first joined Saturday Night Live in 2018 as a staff writer. A year later, he broke new ground when he became the show’s first Asian American cast member. In 2021, he made further history by becoming the first featured player on the series to receive an acting nomination at the Emmys.
His work on SNL continues to receive acclaim for both his comedic timing and versatility. Some of his most talked-about sketches this past season include “Charades With Mom,” in which he reunited with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. Another fan favorite was “One Uppers,” where Yang and Jack Black play old college friends who constantly try to outdo one another during a dinner conversation. “Shrek the Musical” was also a viral hit, but perhaps the most memorable sketch of the year featured Yang as Moo Deng, a fictional celebrity baby hippo who became an instant sensation.
Reflecting on the show’s cultural legacy, Yang said one of his proudest moments this season was participating in the SNL 50 specials. “I think getting to be a part of the SNL 50 specials this year was something I’ll reflect on for the rest of my life,” he said.
In addition to his ongoing success on SNL, Yang was recently named to Variety’s 2025 Comedy Impact List, an annual roundup recognizing the most influential comedic voices working today. His accomplishments extend far beyond sketch comedy.
Yang is also the co-host of the Las Culturistas podcast alongside longtime collaborator and friend Matt Rogers. The podcast has gained a loyal following for its smart and satirical takes on pop culture, queerness, and life in the entertainment industry.
On the big screen, Yang recently starred in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. He plays Pfannee, a loyal and flashy confidante to Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. The film also stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Wicked is the first installment of a two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The second part, titled Wicked: For Good, is scheduled to be released on November 21.
Yang’s Emmy recognition arrives at a time when conversations around diversity, inclusion, and representation remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry. His continued success not only reflects his own talent but also symbolizes meaningful progress for queer and Asian performers who are often underrepresented in mainstream media.
As he adds yet another nomination to his already historic career, Yang stands as a testament to what authenticity, originality, and resilience can achieve in a landscape that is still evolving. For fans of comedy, queer representation, and breaking barriers, Bowen Yang’s story is far from over.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held later this year, and all eyes will be on whether Yang takes home the golden statue. Regardless of the outcome, his presence on the nominee list marks a victory for inclusive storytelling and a celebration of the communities he proudly represents.
