Why Martin Short dominates the 2026 Emmy race three ways

Martin Short is spread across the 2026 Emmy race like few stars ever are, with nominations for Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," ABC's "Match Game," and the Netflix documentary "Marty, Life Is Short." The 76-year-old told Variety the triple showing feels surreal—and joked he is "Mr. Emmy" this year.

Key Takeaways

• Martin Short earned 2026 Emmy nods across scripted comedy, a game show, and a documentary about his own life.
• His fifth consecutive lead comedy nomination for "Only Murders in the Building" could make him the oldest winner ever in that category.
• Short opened decades of home videos to director Lawrence Kasdan for "Marty, Life Is Short," even after his daughter Katherine's death in February.
• The Netflix doc competes against an Amazon film about John Candy—a friend who inspired Short's lifelong home-movie habit.
• Short says no new "Match Game" seasons are planned, but "never say never" about returning.

Why is Martin Short nominated three times at the 2026 Emmys?

Short's name appears in three very different corners of this year's ballot. As an actor, he is up for outstanding comedy lead for playing Oliver Putnam on Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," opposite Steve Martin and Selena Gomez—a role that has earned him multiple nominations since the series premiered in 2021.

He also landed a game show host nomination for ABC's "Match Game," where he draws on live-audience instincts far removed from scripted mystery comedy. Then there is "Marty, Life Is Short," Lawrence Kasdan's Netflix documentary about Short's career and personal life, which scored three nominations including outstanding documentary or nonfiction special.

Short told Variety he sees the haul less as one campaign and more as three separate chapters of a career that has moved between television, film, Broadway, and live comedy for decades. For fans tracking the stranger side of Hollywood awards season, his triple presence fits right in with other bizarre news and pop-culture surprises dominating the conversation.

What does 'Marty, Life Is Short' reveal about Short's personal life?

Short is not on the production team for "Marty, Life Is Short," so he would not receive an Emmy if the film wins—but he gave Kasdan, a friend of 40 years, full support. Kasdan initially faced hesitation: Short, who is Canadian, said he was reserved and had already written a book about his life.

An eight-minute voicemail from Kasdan changed his mind. Short also handed over shelves of camcorder footage he had transferred to DVD over the years, and Steven Spielberg sent home movies featuring Short. When Short's daughter Katherine died in February, Netflix offered to delay the release; Short chose to proceed, calling the film a story of "Love, Loss and Survival."

Since its global premiere in May, Short says viewers have thanked him for showing how he navigated grief. He has spoken publicly about Katherine's mental health struggles, describing them as a disease that can be terminal, like cancer.

Could Martin Short make Emmy history as lead comedy actor?

At 76, Short is chasing his first acting Emmy win despite eight career acting nominations. His fifth straight nod for "Only Murders in the Building" puts him in rare company among veteran performers reshaping this year's ceremony.

A victory would make him the oldest lead comedy actor champion ever, surpassing Eugene Levy, who was 73 when "Schitt's Creek" swept in 2020, according to Variety's Emmy history roundup. The Sept. 14 ceremony could deliver a long-overdue trophy for one of comedy's most durable stars.

What's next for Short after this awards season?

Short is staying tight-lipped on "Only Murders" season details beyond its move to London and a new batch of A-list guest stars. As for "Match Game," he confirmed no future seasons are currently in the works, though he added "never say never."

One way or another, he will be back in Los Angeles next month. "Let's do the cliché, it's a tremendous honor to be recognized by your peers," he told Variety—then smiled and declared, "I am Mr. Emmy this year!"