Game of Thrones racked up a record-breaking 32 Emmy nominations for its eighth and final season when they were announced on Monday.
But fans of the smash hit fantasy series were shocked that actress Gwendoline Christie, who finally scored her first nomination for best supporting actress in a drama series for her role as Brienne of Tarth, actually had to submit herself for consideration when HBO declined.
Christie shared the news on Instagram.
Writer Julie DiCaro pointed this bizarre factoid out in a now-viral tweet.
It certainly makes Christie's nomination all the more impressive.
People were pretty peeved that HBO left Christie to fend for herself, though.
Other fans were quick to point out that Christie wasn't the only Game of Thrones actor who had to self-submit to be considered.
Alfie Allen and Carice van Houten, who play Theon Greyjoy and Melisandre, respectively, also submitted themselves for Emmy consideration, with Allen scoring a nod for best supporting actor in a drama series and van Houten grabbing a guest actress in a drama series nomination.
All three of the first-time nominations came as somewhat of a shock to fans and now we know why.
Of course, not all actors have to submit themselves.
HBO did, in fact, submit Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams in various acting categories, all of whom scored nominations.
But, as one person pointed out, it is most likely about the odds.
The more actors you submit, the more internal competition they end up facing.
Which makes it even more impressive that three additional Game of Thrones actors were able to break through with nominations of their own after paying the $225 submission fee.
So let that be a lesson for all of us: If you think you deserve to be considered for something, then just take steps on your own to get there if you can.
You might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Because as Bigfoot knows, believe in yourself, even if no one else does, shirt available here.
