How the ‘This Is Us’ Star Built an Award-Worthy Reputation Over Two Decades
Though Justin Hartley may not be the most decorated actor in Hollywood, his career is a powerful example of the slow burn of critical respect. From his early days in soap operas to becoming the emotional heart of one of network television’s most beloved dramas, Hartley has steadily gained recognition from critics, peers, and fans alike. His awards journey hasn’t always matched the scale of his performances, but over time, appreciation for his talent has continued to deepen.
This article traces Hartley’s evolving relationship with awards and critical acclaim—highlighting the pivotal performances, the missed nominations, and the accolades that have begun to arrive as his work garners broader industry respect.
The Soap Opera Years: Humble Beginnings and Early Recognition
Hartley’s professional acting career began on NBC’s Passions, where he played Fox Crane from 2002 to 2006. Though daytime television rarely attracts mainstream awards attention, the soap opera community took note of Hartley’s charisma and acting chops. He was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award in 2005 for “Outstanding Younger Lead Actor,” a moment that signaled early promise.
Daytime roles are often a proving ground—demanding long hours, rapid script memorization, and emotional intensity—and Hartley’s years on Passions gave him the discipline and resilience that would serve him well later in more critically visible projects.
The Transition Years: Strong Performances in Under-the-Radar Roles
Between 2006 and 2016, Hartley appeared in a variety of television roles. As the Green Arrow in Smallville, he delivered a fan-favorite performance that expanded the show’s universe and attracted significant attention from comic book audiences. Though genre performances rarely receive awards love, Hartley’s portrayal was considered one of the best live-action takes on Oliver Queen prior to the CW’s Arrow series.
During this period, he also guest-starred on shows such as Revenge, Castle, and Chuck, as well as playing recurring roles on Mistresses and The Young and the Restless. His short stint as Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless (2014–2016) earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016—one of the most prestigious acknowledgments in the soap world.
The nomination marked Hartley’s reentry into the awards conversation after a decade of steady work, suggesting that his best performances were yet to come.
‘This Is Us’: A Career-Changing Role and Major Ensemble Recognition
Hartley’s career took a dramatic leap forward when he was cast as Kevin Pearson in NBC’s This Is Us in 2016. The role redefined how both critics and the industry viewed him. As Kevin, Hartley explored themes of addiction, fame, abandonment, and self-worth. His performance struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
While Hartley never received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his individual work—a point of frustration for many fans—he was recognized as part of the show’s ensemble, which won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2018. The ensemble was nominated multiple times (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), and Hartley’s role was a vital part of the show’s emotional success.
He was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Drama TV Actor and a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series—proof that both young audiences and critics valued his work.
The Awards That Should Have Been: A Case for Overlooked Greatness
Despite consistently strong performances on This Is Us, Hartley was often considered an “awards snub” in media commentary. Many critics pointed to his deeply affecting Season 2 episode “Number One,” where Kevin spirals into addiction while confronting his past and the death of his father, as an Emmy-worthy performance.
Prominent outlets like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and TVLine included him in “Overlooked Emmy Performances” lists multiple years in a row, citing his ability to infuse the “golden boy” archetype with unexpected emotional complexity. His capacity to cry on cue, convey vulnerability without sentimentality, and portray character growth over multiple seasons drew consistent praise.
“This Is Us gave Hartley a chance to show he was more than a handsome face,” wrote IndieWire in 2020. “It revealed an actor with rare emotional intelligence and range.”
‘Tracker’: A New Role, a New Type of Recognition
With the debut of CBS’s Tracker in 2024, Hartley transitioned from ensemble player to lead actor and executive producer. As Colter Shaw, a reward-seeking survivalist with a traumatic past, Hartley has once again earned favorable reviews. Critics have noted his gravitas, emotional restraint, and action-star potential.
The series quickly became the most-watched new network drama of the year, with many publications predicting Hartley could see a Critics’ Choice or People’s Choice Award nomination for the role. Though the show leans more into procedural territory, Hartley’s ability to elevate familiar tropes has not gone unnoticed.
He is also now being seen as a producer with vision. Tracker’s success, coupled with Hartley’s leadership, has positioned him as a creative force with both on-screen and behind-the-scenes impact.
Behind the Scenes Recognition and Industry Respect
In 2023, Hartley was honored by the Television Critics Association with a Career Achievement Mention, a non-competitive acknowledgment given to actors who’ve shown impressive growth and influence over time. While not a formal award, the recognition signaled that his contributions to television had not gone unnoticed.
His production company, Change Jar Studios, has also received accolades for championing emotionally resonant storytelling. Hartley’s foray into directing with the independent film Dust to Dawn earned him an Audience Favorite Award at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival—a small but important milestone in his expanding artistic portfolio.
An Awards Future Still Unfolding
As Justin Hartley continues to evolve, so does the narrative around his career. Many believe that his best awards moments are still to come. His upcoming political thriller Capital Veins is being positioned as a possible awards contender for Netflix, with early buzz suggesting it could finally earn Hartley the kind of individual recognition his past work has deserved.
Hollywood’s awards seasons can be unpredictable, but what’s clear is that Hartley’s consistent excellence is finally catching up with his awards resume. The industry is beginning to acknowledge not just his past performances, but his growing role as a storyteller, producer, and creative visionary.
Conclusion: A Career Built on Substance, Not Statues
Justin Hartley’s story is not one of overnight glory or red carpet dominance. It’s the story of a working actor who never stopped improving, even when the industry overlooked him. His journey proves that awards aren’t the only measure of greatness—and that sometimes, quiet excellence speaks loudest of all.
