HBO Max’s ‘Hacks’ and ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Below the Line Teams React to 2025 Emmy Nominations

Excitement is in the air in Los Angeles. The 2025 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced this morning. Of course, there were surprising (and not so surprising) snubs and head-scratching nominations (still looking at you The Bear). But that’s Hollywood for you!

While the spotlight shines on the A-list talent from the Emmy-nominated shows in the trades, including those above the line from directors to producers, the below the line talent certainly is not a category to be left in the dark.

These hardworking, creative individuals and teams go above and beyond to carry out a singular vision for their shows; there is no doubt that the teams behind Hacks and Dune: Prophecy snoozed on the job – their nominations for their craftsmanship speak for themselves. HBO touts the most Emmy nominations ever – 142 to be exact.

Adam Bricker, ASC, Director of Photography 

“I’m so honored by this nomination. It feels especially fitting that it’s for an episode titled “I Love LA” – none of this would be possible without our incredible LA crew.”

Kathleen Felix-Hager, Costume Designer

“Incredible to be recognized and so happy and proud to share in this nomination with my stellar costume crew and my beloved HACKS family.”

Rob Tokarz, Production Designer

“I’m incredibly honored to be nominated by the Television Academy and my peers for our work on Season 4 of Hacks, especially in a category filled with such wildly talented teams. This season was unique as it took us to parts unknown – treading international waters, charting the highs and lows of Deborah Vance’s Late Night dreams, and Los Angeles’ real-life loss of places we’ve called home.

To my phenomenal art department led by Jeanine A. Ringer, our incomparable set dec team led by Jennifer Lukehart, our construction crew, and the collaborators across every corner of production — thank you. Your dedication, creativity, and craft are what made this season such a joy. And to Lucia, Paul, and Jen — thank you for trusting us with such rich, funny, and layered material to design.”

Matt Biffa, Music Supervisor

“Being a Brit, I’m in genuine shock, as I hadn’t dared to acknowledge that a nomination might be an actual possibility. Having now confirmed to myself that I haven’t hallucinated the whole thing in some grandiose episode of unchecked ego, my first thoughts are about how lucky I’ve been to collaborate with everyone on this show. To be able to help bring Deborah and Ava’s complicated relationship to life with such a fun, creative team is really something. When we music spot the show, everyone brings their A game, but when we collaborate the sum really is greater than its parts. Being a Brit, effusive displays of emotion are generally frowned upon, but I would like go against centuries of emotional repression and thank Jen, Paul and Lucia for being the most wonderful showrunners and collaborators; editors Susan, Jon and Rob; the NBCUniversal clearance team for being absolute legends; HBO for their vision and support; and my team for putting up with me.”

Susan Vaill, ACE, Editor

“I am very grateful to have gone from cutting Deborah Vance’s farewell show in the season one finale of HACKS to cutting her Late Night premiere in season four. Creative arcs like Deborah and Ava’s are an editor’s dream.”

Tom Meyer, Production Designer

“I was with my amazing art department reviewing one of next season’s literal “out-of-this-world” new sets when we got this equally stellar news. To be with the team that made this possible and to share it together — there is nothing sweeter or better that I could imagine!”

Bojana Nikitović, Costume Designer

“I am completely blown away! So happy for my incredible team and all the talented people who I am surrounded by! On a big project like Dune: Prophecy, one has to have an amazing team able to make every idea possible! I am so grateful to everyone who voted for us! Thank you all!”

Volker Bertelmann, Composer

“I am incredibly happy for this Emmy nomination and grateful to be able to work on such an amazing project. Thanks to Alison Schapker and Jordan Goldberg for being such incredible collaborators on Dune: Prophecy. I am thankful to my music peers for my first Emmy nomination.”

Terron Pratt, Visual Effects Producer and Michael Enriquez, Visual Effects Supervisor

“We’re honestly kind of stunned — and completely honored — to be nominated. This team gave it everything, and it’s amazing to see that work recognized by the Academy. What a day.”

See the full list of 2025 Primetime Emmy Nominations here.

The Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies will be held on September 6-7, and the Primetime Emmys will air on CBS and Paramount+ on September 14.