Kathy Bates, 77, has become the oldest woman Nominated In the Lead Drama Actress category for playing the titular role in the CBS hit series Matlock. She beats the previous record set by Imelda Staunton,

On Tuesday, the Matlock star was announced as a 2025 Emmy nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, becoming the oldest performer ever nominated in category at age 77. With the nomination, Bates surpasses the record previously held by Angela Lansbury,

Kathy Bates on Tuesday earned her 13th career Emmy Award nomination for acting — but it was nonetheless a noteworthy one. That is because the Matlock headliner, at age 77, now stands as the oldest person to vie for Lead Actress in a Drama.