13 Pictures Of The 2022 Emmy Award Winners In Their First Significant Roles And The Categories They Won In

Some of the biggest Emmy winners did not start out as household names. Before the trophies, the red carpets, and the viral acceptance speeches, they were showing up in early roles that helped launch the careers fans know now.

This roundup looks at 13 Emmy Award winners from 2022 and the first significant parts that put them on the map. From longtime performers like Sheryl Lee Ralph to breakout stars like Quinta Brunson and Lee Jung-jae, the list shows just how long the road to an Emmy can be.

Scroll through the before-and-after moments, and see which early roles led to their big wins.

1. Sheryl Lee Ralph

Then, she made her film debut as Barbara Hanley in A Piece of the Action.

Now, she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary.

Warner Bros. / ABC

2. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

Her win was a long time coming.

3. Zendaya

Then, she played Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel series Shake It Up.

Now, she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett on Euphoria, and she's the youngest person ever to win the award twice.

Disney / HBO

4. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

5. Amanda Seyfried

Then, she played the recurring role of Lucy Montgomery on As the World Turns.

Now, she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes on The Dropout.

CBS / Hulu / Everett

6. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

Another early role, another big leap.

7. Jennifer Coolidge

Then, she made her TV debut as Jodi the masseuse on Seinfeld.

Now, she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie for her role as Tanya McQuoid on The White Lotus.

NBC / HBO

8. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

9. Quinta Brunson

Then, she was a viral meme. "In today's digital age, moments of virality can significantly impact one's career trajectory," notes Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author. Now, she won Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on Abbott Elementary.

Quinta B / youtube.com / ABC

10. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

11. Lee Jung-jae

Then, he played Baek Jae-hee on the Korean series Sandglass.

Now, he won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Gi-hun on Squid Game.

SBS / Netflix / Everett

12. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

That breakout moment changed everything.

Also, Kaley Cuoco’s tense “Charmed” moment when an A-list actress overlooked her on set fits the same first-big-role pressure.

13. Matthew Macfadyen

Then, he made his TV debut as Hareton Earnshaw in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

Now, he won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Tom Wambsgams on Succession.

WGBH-TV / HBO

14. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

15. Julia Garner

Then, she made her film debut playing Sarah in Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Now, she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Ruth Langmore on Ozark.

Fox Searchlight / Netflix / Everett

16. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

17. Murray Bartlett

Then, he made his TV debut playing Michael Freeman on The Flying Doctors.

Now, he won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of Armand on The White Lotus.

Nine Network / HBO

18. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

Fans still remember these early appearances.

19. Michael Keaton

Then, he played Lannie Wolf on All's Fair.

Now, he won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as Dr. Samuel Finnix on Dopesick.

CBS / Hulu / Everett

20. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

21. Brett Goldstein

Then, he played Tom on the British series Derek.

Now, he won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Roy Kent on Ted Lasso.

Netflix / Apple TV+

22. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

23. Jean Smart

Then, she starred as Shari on Teachers Only.

Now, she won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Deborah Vance on Hacks.

NBC / HBO

24. You can watch her 2022 acceptance speech below

25. Jason Sudeikis

Then, he was a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Now, he won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Ted Lasso on Ted Lasso.

NBC / Apple TV+

26. You can watch his 2022 acceptance speech below

You may or may not know, but the first Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony was held in 1974 to recognize excellence in national daytime programming. Soon after, additional regional Emmy celebrations occurred.

So tell us your thoughts about these Emmy winners in the comments below and also share this post with your loved ones as well.

Some stars really do take the scenic route to an Emmy.

Want another spotlight moment, see which Oscars 2026 stars stole attention in their best-dressed looks.