David Attenborough has made television history by becoming the oldest person ever nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. At 100 years old, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist has received two nominations in the Outstanding Narrator category at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Attenborough, who celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8, earned nominations for narrating:
- A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough (Netflix)
- Ocean with David Attenborough (National Geographic)
Breaks Norman Lear’s Longstanding Record
With these nominations, Attenborough surpasses the previous record held by Norman Lear, who was 99 years and 11 months old when he received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022.
Although Lear turned 100 before that year’s ceremony, Attenborough is now officially recognized as the oldest nominee at the time of nomination.
A Familiar Face at the Emmys
This is not Attenborough’s first Emmy recognition. He has previously won the Outstanding Narrator Emmy three times, with his most recent victory coming in 2020.
His decades-long career has made him one of the world’s most respected documentary narrators, celebrated for bringing nature and wildlife stories to global audiences.
When Will the Winners Be Announced?
The winners in the Outstanding Narrator category, along with other documentary and nonfiction awards, will be announced during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, scheduled for September 5 and 6, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on September 14, 2026.