The crime series Task is HBO’s big bet for the 2026 Emmy Awards. The network released its full list of nominations for the show, putting Mark Ruffalo forward for Best Lead Actor. His co-star Tom Pelphrey leads a massive group of nine actors in the supporting categories.
The strategy places the two main stars in different lanes, so they won’t hurt each other’s chances at the ceremony.
Ruffalo and Pelphrey Compete in Separate Categories
On the show, Mark Ruffalo plays FBI agent Tom Brandis. He is hunting down a group of robbers in the working-class areas near Philadelphia. Tom Pelphrey plays Robbie Prendergrast, a sanitation worker who leads a secret double life as a criminal.
The actors face off on screen throughout the seven episodes. But for the Emmys, HBO separated them. Mark Ruffalo is a two-time Emmy winner for The Normal Heart and I Know This Much Is True. He will compete in the “Lead Actor in a Drama Series” category. Tom Pelphrey, who has two Daytime Emmy wins, will go for “Supporting Actor in a Drama Series”.
Nine Supporting Actors Join Pelphrey in Campaign
Tom Pelphrey is the main name in the supporting race, but he has a lot of company. HBO submitted most of the main cast to try to get as many nominations as possible. The list includes:
- Fabien Frankel (Anthony Grasso)
- Raúl Castillo (Cliff Broward)
- Jamie McShane (Perry Dorazo)
- Sam Keeley (Jayson Wilkes)
- Emilia Jones (Maeve Prendergrast)
- Alison Oliver (Lizzie Stover)
- Thuso Mbedu (Aleah Clinton)
- Martha Plimpton (Kathleen McGinty)
Martha Plimpton already has an Emmy win for her work on The Good Wife. Her presence in the Supporting Actress category gives the show an experienced awards contender.
Pelphrey Gets Early Awards Attention
Experts are already watching the supporting race closely. Tom Pelphrey played a character with mental health struggles in Ozark and earned a nomination. Critics think his work in Task is even better.
The Los Angeles Times spoke to awards analysts who believe Pelphrey could win.
Glenn Whipp of the Los Angeles Times said, “Tom Pelphrey has called it the role of a lifetime. No argument here.”
Fans on Reddit have also praised his performance. One user, scratchydaitchy, wrote:
“Tom Pelphrey was the best part of TASK….. Pelphrey has a magnetic charisma and pathos which makes it impossible for me to look away.”
He faces tough competition from stars of The Pitt, including Shawn Hatosy and Patrick Ball. But many prediction lists put Pelphrey in the top three spots right now.
Ruffalo Also Produces for Top Series Prize
Mark Ruffalo is not just trying to win for his acting. He also serves as an executive producer on the show. HBO listed him as part of the “Outstanding Drama Series” submission. He shares that credit with creator Brad Ingelsby and directors Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson Whitfield.
This is a common move for movie stars working in TV. It allows Ruffalo to possibly go home with multiple trophies if the show wins the top prize.
‘Mare of Easttown’ Team Returns for Writing and Directing
Brad Ingelsby created Task after his big success with Mare of Easttown. That show helped Kate Winslet and Julianne Nicholson win Emmys. Now, HBO hopes he can do it again.
Ingelsby submitted the Season 1 finale, titled “A Still Small Voice,” for “Writing for a Drama Series”.
Jeremiah Zagar is submitted for directing the first episode, “Crossings.” Salli Richardson Whitfield is submitted for directing Episode 106. Richardson Whitfield already has an Emmy nomination for her directing work on Winning Time.
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HBO Pushes for Technical Awards Too
The acting and writing categories get the most attention, but HBO wants to win everywhere else too. The network submitted Task in several technical fields. These are important for building a winning campaign.
The list of technical submissions includes:
- Cinematography for Alex Disenhof (Episode 101) and Elie Smolkin (Episode 106)
- Casting for Avy Kaufman (who worked on Mare of Easttown)
- Picture Editing
- Production Design
- Costume Design for Meghan Kasperlik
- Hairstyling and Makeup (including Prosthetic Makeup)
- Sound Editing and Sound Mixing
- Stunt Coordination and Stunt Performance (for Richard Burden and Michael Johnson)
Many of these crew members received Emmy nominations for Mare of Easttown. HBO is banking on their experience to help Task stand out.
The Show’s Release and Season 2 Plans
Task premiered on September 7, 2025, on HBO and is streaming on Max. The first season has seven episodes. The show is set in the Philadelphia suburbs and focuses on a real FBI task force that hunts serial robbers.
The series was a hit for the network. HBO quickly renewed it for a second season. Filming for Season 2 is happening right now in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
For more updates on the 2026 Emmy race and your favorite TV dramas, keep checking VvipTimes for the latest nomination news and analysis.
