Here’s to new beginnings for actor Cristin Milioti, who earned her first Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 77th Emmy Awards for her role as Sofia Falcone in HBO’s The Penguin.
Though the actor is no stranger to starring in TV shows such as Modern Love, Made for Love, and Black Mirror, which have earned nominations, she admits to keeping her jitters at bay by “purposefully keeping” her phone at the bottom of her bag, unchecked, until the nominations ceremony had ended. In addition to Milioti’s recognition, The Penguin garnered 24 nominations, including Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for Colin Farrell, Limited or Anthology Series, Cinematography in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Directing in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Contemporary Hairstyling and Makeup, and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup.
So, what exactly went through her mind once it sunk in that she had scored her first Emmy nomination? “It was definitely that I can’t wait to have a big dessert as a treat later. I am so thrilled at the amount of nominations that The Penguin got,” Milioti says. “I’m thrilled for our directors, my fellow actors, our writers, our hair and makeup team, the visual effects team and the editors. This show took so many people to make this show what it is. You never know who’s going to get recognized, so I’m just so deeply thrilled about the amount of recognition we got.”
Here, the actor reflects on her role, Emmy nomination and her upcoming film.
DEADLINE: In past interviews, you talk so much about the toiling physicality of playing Sofia Falcone. And you’ve been in quite a few lauded projects in the past, including Black Mirror, which also got nominations today. But The Penguin is the one that carried you over the Emmys line. What does this mean for you?
CRISTIN MILIOTI: I am so happy that I was on two shows, that I loved being a part of getting recognized today. It’s very cool. All of that work on The Penguin was totally worth it. Even without any of these additional bells and whistles [that actors do in their process of adapting a character], to be recognized in this way for the show was so lovely and validating. But it was already so deeply meaningful to have had that experience and so deeply worth it because I truly had a profound time making that show and playing Sofia, for sure.
DEADLINE: The discourse around your portrayal of Sofia Falcone was hard to miss. The internet and the industry are seemingly enamored by you playing this nuanced villain. Has this influenced the roles you’re currently seeking?
MILIOTI: I definitely have been spoiled by this show because I just got to do so much with that role, and so much of what I got to do are things that I’ve been wanting to do and wishing to do for a long time. So, it’s definitely affected what I signed on to just because I got spoiled by Lauren LeFranc‘s writing, our production and by my fellow actors and crew. I’m definitely trying to seek out things that are for sure different tone-wise, but if I can to the best of my ability, I would love to be a part of more things that I love, just as much as I love The Penguin and that experience.
DEADLINE: What do you think people are responding to about her character?
MILIOTI: The way she is written. I can’t talk about Lauren enough. Her writing is extraordinary. And really across the board, we had such a fabulous group of people, an incredible crew, an incredible showrunner, an incredible team of writers, incredible producers and incredible actors. I think what resonates with Sofia, or what resonates with people about Sophia, I’m sure it’s different for every person, but I think it’s thrilling to watch someone not hold back. You deeply understand where her hurt comes from, and then you get to watch this revenge play out on a big superhero operatic scale while still being rooted in something so real. I mean, I know I love to watch stuff like that, and I loved filming it. She’s a villain, but you also root for her. Or at least I did, but obviously I’m biased. On top of that, she’s fabulous. She has fabulous clothes, does what she wants, says what she wants, it’s incredible.
DEADLINE: She knows when she’s being played as well.
MILIOTI: She’s so smart. She has incredible instincts and she’s completely unpredictable. I think that also is one of the funnest parts of her to play. But I think one of the most compelling things about her is that she’s unpredictable even to herself.
DEADLINE: What scenes do you still think about?
MILIOTI: There are so many scenes on the show that I loved doing so much because of what it meant for the character and that I just loved filming. One of them is the dinner scene in Episode 4, when she gives the toast to her family. It’s such a beautifully written scene and so beautifully shot. Then, right up there with it is the skipping through the house with the gas mask and gun. There’s also a scene in the series with Sofia’s niece, when she visits her in the children’s home, that was one of my favorites because it’s such a great turn for that character.
DEADLINE: What’s next for you?
MILIOTI: I’m about to go shoot a movie in Ohio that I’m really excited about, called Buddy, that’s the working title, but it’s very special, strange and wonderful. I start next week.
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