"Just kind of sitting in silence": Shrinking star Jessica Williams shares how she reacted to her second Emmy nomination

When Emmy nominations were announced on July 15, 2025, most Hollywood aspirants would respond with euphoria, but to Jessica Williams, the day came along with reflective calm. The award-winning actress and comedian, who is now a two-time Emmy nominee for the role of Gaby Evans in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, did not rush to rejoice. She remained silent and simply let it all in.

Williams has been excelling in comedy and TV for a while now, but this second nomination feels extra special, since she is in the mix with heavyweights like Harrison Ford. Shrinking is racking up nominations for its second season, and Williams’ reaction just shows how much heart she has.

Jessica Williams on her second Emmy nomination

Jessica Williams’ reaction to her second consecutive Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series was anything but showy. Speaking at Jimmy Kimmel Live with the Guest Host Tiffany Haddish, Williams recalled:

“This is my second time getting nominated, but the first time we were, they announced in the morning and we were like 18 hours away from a strike. So when they announced it, I went to the picket line and went on the line, and then after that, we had maybe 15 hours to celebrate…”

“But this time, I definitely woke up, and it was one of those things where they announce it at 8:30, and you kind of know when they announce it. And I was trying to be like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna sleep, I’m gonna try and sleep through 8:30,’ but my eyes shot open, I think exactly at 8:15. And I just remember just like sitting in silence. We were just kind of sitting in silence for a while waiting to see what happened.”

She also stated in an interview with Gold Derby that her second nomination was “insane”, especially as it came within the wider success of Shrinking. The show has received 9 Emmy nominations for the 2025 awards, including nods to her co-stars, Harrison Ford (his first-ever Emmy nomination at age 83), Michael Urie, and Jason Segel.

Peeling back the curtain on Shrinking

Shrinking is an Apple TV+ show about comedic timing and heartfelt storytelling. It premiered on January 27, 2023. The show was created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein. Segel stars as Jimmy Laird, a therapist overwhelmed by grief who begins to blur professional boundaries by becoming directly involved in his patients’ lives.

The cast includes Harrison Ford as Paul, Jessica Williams as Gaby, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, and more.

Shrinking has received critical praise due to its writing, humor, and the performances, especially those of Segel, Ford, and Williams. Its first season focused on showing the process of healing, ethical vulnerability, and understanding the nature of human relationships.

Gaby, the character portrayed by Williams, is a fellow associate and confidant in the trio of therapists at the centre of the show. The actress talked about her character in an interview with Gold Derby, stating:

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“There's so much I like about playing her. She's very warm. She keeps me on my toes. ... The best thing about Gaby is her big heart.”

Over the course of two noteworthy seasons (a third season is already confirmed), Shrinking is making waves in the comedy-drama genre, also receiving nominations in respect to casting, sound mixing, and Best Comedy Series.

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