She may no longer be with the show, but Ego Nwodim’s contributions to Saturday Night Live have not been forgotten by critics, with the former cast member scoring her first-ever Critics Choice Award nomination.
Nwodim’s nomination—for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Comedy—is for her work in SNL’s 50th season. In that category, she will compete against Danielle Brooks (Peacemaker), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Justine Lupe (Nobody Wants This), and Rebecca Wisocky (Ghosts).
Announced Friday, Nwodim’s nod marks the show’s first nomination for a cast member since 2022, when Bowen Yang and Cecily Strong both earned supporting actor nominations. (The last cast member to win a critics choice award for their SNL work was Kate McKinnon, who took home Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016.)
It was three months ago that Nwodim made the shocking announcement that she was leaving SNL ahead of its 51st season.
The seven-year cast member confirmed her departure in an Instagram post, writing, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.
“I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship,” she continued. “Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories and that laughter with me always. Now invite me to your weddings please!”
Nwodim joined SNL in 2018 as a featured player and was promoted to the main cast ahead of Season 46. Over the years, she became a standout performer, known for sketches like her recurring “Lisa from Temecula” character and for her sharp comedic timing on “Weekend Update” and in live sketches.
Her surprise departure left SNL with a notable diversity gap, with the show once again facing criticism over the disproportionate number of white men in its cast. SNL’s Season 51 troupe is comprised of 12 men (three of them Black) and five women (all white).
Nwodim’s was not the only Critics Choice nomination for SNL announced today. The show was also nominated for Best Variety Series (where it will face off against Last Week Tonight and Conan O’Brien Must Go) and Best Comedy Special—for its 50th Anniversary Special, which will compete against stand-up specials from Brett Goldstein, Calen Hearon, Leanne Morgan, Marc Maron, and Sarah Silverman.
This year’s Critics Choice Awards winners will be announced in a live telecast airing Sunday, January 4, 2026, on E! and USA Network.
