Why Katherine Heigl ‘Turned Down’ Emmy Nomination: She Sets the Record Straight
The long-running rumor that Katherine Heigl turned down an Emmy nomination in 2008 for her work on Grey’s Anatomy was recently addressed.
When the actress appeared recently on Shannen Doherty’s Let’s Be Clear podcast, she addressed the issues. The actress received an Emmy in 2007 for her role as Izzie Stevens on the popular medical drama.
Heigl said, «I don’t know anyone except for you that turns down an Emmy nomination,» to Doherty’s statement. «Well, I didn’t, and that’s what everyone keeps saying.» I didn’t decline it.
«You need to give yourself over,» she said. You must submit your work, after which they will consider it and determine whether to nominate you. Simply put, I didn’t turn in any work that year.
If I were to receive such nomination, I would accept it. That would be cool with me. But I believe I was simply trying to be respectable and understood there wasn’t really anything that year that would truly justify one.
I was attempting to act honorably. Heigl said, «I wasn’t trying to be a d**k.» The announcement of her decision to drop out of the Emmy race caused a stir, particularly because she had taken home the Best Supporting Actress trophy the year before.
Heigl provided an explanation in a 2008 statement, saying, «I withdrew my name from consideration to preserve the integrity of the academy organization because I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination.»
On the podcast, the celebrity admitted to Doherty, «I should have said nothing.» «Oh, I forgot [to submit my work],» would have been a better course of action because it would have avoided such a needless fervor.
«That year, I was not feeling my material, but I was also trying to make a kind of snarky point about it.» I didn’t believe I had anything to merit a nomination, let alone consideration. I simply wasn’t pleased with my output.
«I would never be so bold or so arrogant to turn down a nomination,» she went on.
She discussed being called «difficult» following the issue last year, among other things, in an Actors on Actors episode of Variety featuring Ellen Pompeo of Grey’s Anatomy.
Heigl left back in 2010 after reports surfaced of conflicts on site and that he was ‘difficult’ to work with.
Heigl addressed the exit, saying, «I was so naive.» I felt strongly about these issues, so I climbed up on my soapbox and said a few things.
«I felt really strongly,» she said. I hauled out my soapbox and got a megaphone because I felt so strongly. I did not even consider the possibility of a negative response.
«I felt very justified in my thoughts and perspective regarding it.» Like most women, I believe I have lived most of my life in people-pleasing mode.
«It can be quite unsettling to feel as though you have truly upset everyone.» Although I didn’t mean to, I had some things to say and I didn’t anticipate receiving such a strong response.
I was a late-20something. It wasn’t until I was in my mid- to late-30s that I was able to truly return to ignoring the noise and asking, «But who are you? Are you really that horrible of a person? Do you lack gratitude? Do you lack professionalism? Are you challenging?
since I was perplexed! Perhaps, I reasoned. I had to say, «Wait,» after feeling so ashamed for a long time because I had actually believed that version. To whom am I paying attention? Not even to myself am I listening. I am aware of who I am.»
Katherine also talked about how becoming a star of the popular show gave her «confidence,» which made her’mouthy.’
Then Grey became popular, and success followed. That, I believe, gave me this erroneous sense of assurance. It had its roots in something that I couldn’t, and perhaps wouldn’t, always have.
I did have a lot to say, and there were boundaries and things that I would not tolerate being crossed, so I started getting quite mouthy. I had no idea how to combat that.
In January, Heigl returned to the Emmys following a ten-year hiatus.
She got back together with Chandra Wilson, Justin Chambers, James Pickens Jr., Pompeo, and other former co-stars from Grey’s Anatomy.
As they announced the candidates for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, the reunited cast electrified the crowd.
They honored the important heritage of Grey’s Anatomy, which recently concluded its historic 20th season, in addition to their presenting role.
