Connor Storrie Scores First Emmy Nomination Despite ‘Heated Rivalry’ Not Being Eligible

Connor Storrie has scored his first Emmy nomination — but it’s not for his breakout role in steamy hockey series “Heated Rivalry.”

Instead, the actor received a nod for guest actor in a comedy series for his “Saturday Night Live” hosting gig. Storrie fronted the show on Feb. 28 with musical guest Mumford & Sons, producing memorable moments including bringing out the USA women’s hockey team during his monologue and an ice skating sketch featuring his “Heated Rivalry” co-star Hudson Williams.

Storrie was submitted by NBC for consideration alongside fellow “SNL” Season 51 hosts Bad Bunny, Ryan Gosling, Harry Styles, Jack Black, Colman Domingo, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Olivia Rodrigo, Melissa McCarthy and Ariana Grande. He was the only one who nabbed a nomination. “Saturday Night Live” earned a total of 11 nods, including for outstanding variety series.

As Variety previously reported, “Heated Rivalry” was not eligible for the Emmy Awards since it is fully funded by Canadian company Bell Media, despite being acquired by HBO Max for the U.S. As the Emmy rules state: “A foreign television production is ineligible unless it is the result of a co-production (both financially and creatively) between U.S. and foreign partners, which precedes the start of production, and with a purpose to be shown on U.S. television.”

Since HBO Max is just the distributor of the show for the U.S. and not a co-financier or producer, it didn’t meet the qualifications to be submitted for the Emmy Awards and neither did its stars. HBO content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys also confirmed to Variety that this will remain the case for the show’s next season.

“We’re not going to be involved,” Bloys said. “I think the last thing the show needs is people meddling in what works. So, I don’t feel any need to weigh in. Clearly, they’ve got a good sense of the show and what works. I will be excited to receive my episodes, and highlight them on HBO Max.”

However, “Heated Rivalry” would be eligible at the International Emmys, which will take place in November.