David Harbour says DTF St. Louis got 13 noms

David Harbour used a Gold Derby interview published August 5 to describe “DTF St. Louis” as a creative gamble that ended with 13 Emmy nominations for the HBO Max limited series. Harbour told the outlet the recognition felt personal, particularly because his nomination came for a role he framed as far removed from the hard-edged characters many viewers associate with him. The Television Academy’s nominations page lists “DTF St. Louis” with 13 nominations in the 2026 Emmy cycle, including outstanding limited or anthology series. ### Why was Harbour calling this one personal? David Harbour told Gold Derby that his acting nomination mattered because Floyd Smernitch was “just so different” from Hopper, the “Stranger Things” character that brought him earlier Emmy recognition. In the interview excerpt carried by Yahoo from Gold Derby, Harbour said Hopper projected “a sort of rugged masculinity,” while Floyd was softer and more exposed emotionally. (goldderby.com) The Gold Derby interview said Harbour viewed that difference as part of why the nomination landed differently this time. He said the nod suggested voters were open to seeing him in a more vulnerable register, after years of being identified with larger, physically imposing roles. ### What exactly is “DTF St. (yahoo.com) Louis”? “DTF St. Louis” is a seven-episode HBO Max limited series centered on Floyd Smernitch, an American Sign Language interpreter whose death becomes the focus of a police investigation, according to Variety’s earlier awards coverage. The series also stars Jason Bateman, Linda Cardellini, Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday, and was created, written and directed by Steven Conrad. (yahoo.com) The Television Academy page lists the show in the limited-series race and credits HBO Max, HBO and production companies including Elephant Pictures, Bravo Axolotl, Aggregate, Escape Artists and MGM Television. That page also identifies Harbour as one of the executive producers on the nominated series. ### Where did the 13 nominations land? (variety.com) The Television Academy lists “DTF St. Louis” as a nominee for outstanding limited or anthology series and for writing, casting, cinematography, sound mixing and contemporary costumes, among other categories. The same page shows acting nominations for Joy Sunday in supporting actress and Jason Bateman in supporting actor. (televisionacademy.com) Gold Derby’s Emmy reactions coverage also placed Harbour in the supporting actor field for limited or anthology series or movie, reflecting the show’s broader awards strength across both program and craft categories. The Television Academy’s broader 2026 nominations coverage names “DTF St. Louis” among the five limited-series nominees this year. (televisionacademy.com) ### What did Harbour say about the show’s creative risk? Gold Derby framed Harbour’s conversation around the risks involved in taking the role and producing the series, and Yahoo’s pickup of the interview said Harbour discussed “taking creative risks” and the vulnerability required by the part. The interview also described the project as one in which Harbour balanced acting with executive-producing duties. (goldderby.com) Variety reported in April that Harbour’s Emmy campaign for the role was built around that contrast with his past work, with the outlet describing Floyd as one of his most tender performances to date. That earlier awards positioning helps explain why Harbour connected the nomination to the show’s riskier creative choices. (yahoo.com) ### When is the next Emmy milestone? The Television Academy announced the 2026 Emmy nominations on July 8, kicking off the 78th awards season. Gold Derby’s nominations reactions coverage says the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock on Monday, September 14, with Mariska Hargitay set to host. (interviews.televisionacademy.com) (variety.com)