Andor’s Diego Luna Is the Only Actor to Break a 45-Year-Old Star Wars Curse

The Star Wars franchise is a funny old thing. From the glorious highs of the Original Trilogy to the disappointing Skywalker Saga ending in The Rise of Skywalker, and an array of hits and misses on the small screen, it’s been quite the journey for those of us who enjoy a trip to a galaxy far, far away.

Thankfully – and rather surprisingly – Andor is one of the highest highs we’ve experienced; certainly in the Disney era, at least. Who would have thought that a spin-off series starring a character who only featured in one spin-off movie would be the focal point of one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time? Not me, that’s for sure, but I’m very happy I was wrong about that.

And now, for anyone else who has ever doubted Andor, there is almost unequivocal proof that it’s peak Star Wars.

Diego Luna Makes Star Wars History at the Globes With Andor

Nominations from awards bodies are not always the ideal measure of success or quality. Some of the Best Picture winners at the Oscars are questionable, to say the least.

However, Andor has once again been acknowledged by the Golden Globes this year for its second season. Or, should we say, Diego Luna has. The star of the show and actor behind the titular character, Cassian Andor, has now picked up his second Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance in a Drama Television Series, after first being nominated back in 2023.

Deservedly so, as well. The work Luna does on the show is phenomenal, combining gritty action with raw, powerful emotion as his character evolves from roguish mercenary into an inspiring leader for the Rebellion. There are so many impressive actors in Andor, and so much incredible work behind the camera, too. At the end of the day, though, this show simply would not work if it weren’t for Luna’s top-tier performance.

Before Luna, Alec Guinness Was Star Wars’ Only Acting Nominee

The reason why this is so significant is that, while Star Wars movies have often been in the conversation for the more technical awards, it’s very rare that any Star Wars actors get major award recognition.

In fact, before Diego Luna came along and impressed the Golden Globes committee, Alec Guinness was the only actor ever to be nominated for a role in a Star Wars project. He was given the nod by the Golden Globes in 1977 (and by the Academy in 1978) for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: A New Hope.

He ultimately won neither of those awards. Truth be told, it would have been quite surprising if he had. It’s a good performance, don’t get me wrong, but it’s nothing out of this world – it’s definitely not as impressive as Luna’s turn as Cassian Andor.

Other Star Wars Performances That Deserve Awards

In all that time since, it’s astounding that no one else has been recognised by any of the major awards bodies for their work in the franchise.

If you look at Andor alone, the likes of Stellan Skarsgård, Denise Gough, and Genevieve O’Reilly put in magnificent performances, and, shockingly, none of them have been nominated alongside Luna. Skarsgård should have been acknowledged for his blistering “sunrise I’ll never see” speech alone, frankly.

I would have selected Adam Driver for his work as Kylo Ren, too. He’s great in The Force Awakens, but it’s in The Last Jedi where he truly excels, letting all his anger and passion pour out as his dedication to the Dark Side of the Force is put to the test by Rey. Speaking of which, Daisy Ridley does fine work in that movie, too. She’s the perfect juxtaposition to the intense and formidable Driver, bringing so much warmth and vibrancy to the Light Side.

Perhaps Star Wars is ‘cursed’ when it comes to awards. Or maybe it’s just that those in charge of those kinds of decisions just don’t see the merit in science fiction, just as the Academy seems to be averse to celebrating great horror performances (Toni Collette was robbed, and I’ll never get over it).

Still, hopefully, Luna can take this award home in 2026 and truly become a pioneer for the greatest franchise to ever exist.