Don Cheadle was given an Emmy nomination for his brief performance on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, currently streaming on Disney +.
But his reaction to being nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series was a departure from the usual tone of other grateful actors.
He tweeted a message addressing both congratulatory fans and disappointed critics of his Emmy nod:
thanks, well wishers. sorry, haters. agreed, [shrugging emoji]. i don't really get it either. buuuuuuuuuut on we go ...
thanks, well wishers. sorry, haters. agreed, 🤷🏿♂️ers. i don't really get it either. buuuuuuuuuut on we go ...— Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle (@Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle) 1626196665.0
Cheadle reprised his James Rhodes character from the MCU on the series' first episode, titled "New World Order."
His screen time was less than five minutes.
The blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo was clearly enough time for the Television Academy to deem his performance was worthy of giving the actor an Emmy nod on Tuesday.
@DonCheadle dont let them bring you down. you so deserve it, especially bc of your solid career— adel (@adel) 1626197502.0
@DonCheadle Well Cheadle has been awesome in everything I've seen him in ... and even if this was just for a few mi… https://t.co/hSHiChvxaC— Adam Johnson (@Adam Johnson) 1626209914.0
@DonCheadle I love that. Even you Don't understand it. You're a great actor but it's so weird to give someone a nom… https://t.co/Cd31AGUtoN— it's drewtal out here🔥 (@it's drewtal out here🔥) 1626216710.0
@DonCheadle I can dig that, Mr. Lumbly's performance was exquisite. I will add though that sometimes, as I am sure… https://t.co/av2DDYIvh3— Eric Dana Williams (@Eric Dana Williams) 1626218638.0
@DonCheadle It probably won't be the most exciting scene of your career but your a great actor if someone wants to… https://t.co/fB7VW49rbb— vrinkles (@vrinkles) 1626196839.0
@DonCheadle if you really think about it, Don's three minutes were actually the best part of the show! congrats kin… https://t.co/8dJT9h9CBm— tiana⁷ᴾᴶᴹ 🇵🇸 (@tiana⁷ᴾᴶᴹ 🇵🇸) 1626227731.0
However, one naysayer suggested Cheadle step aside to give another actor with more screen time their moment of glory.
@DonCheadle Bro step down and a make a spot for someone that did a bit more.— Sighphi (@Sighphi) 1626197561.0
Cheadle responded with laughing emojis and said:
"Step down?!? You really don't know how this emmy thing works, huh?"
step down?!? 😂😂 you really don't know how this emmy thing works, huh? https://t.co/JRTgDcV333— Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle (@Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle) 1626205096.0
This marks Cheadle's eleventh Emmy nomination.
The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards is scheduled to air on September 19 on CBS.