Michelle Pfeiffer Shines in Two Emmy-Contending Roles

The IndieWire Honors Spring 2026 ceremony will recognize Michelle Pfeiffer for her critically acclaimed dual television performances. Pfeiffer is contending for Emmys in two separate categories, showcasing her remarkable versatility.

She stars as Cheyenne in David E. Kelley's "Margo's Got Money Troubles" on Apple TV, a role that sees her character grappling with her past while facing unexpected family circumstances. Simultaneously, Pfeiffer delivers a powerful performance as the grieving matriarch Stacy Clyburn in Taylor Sheridan's "The Madison" on Paramount TV+.

Pfeiffer spoke about the challenges each role presented. She found "Margo's Got Money Troubles" daunting due to her character's multifaceted nature and a desire not to disappoint her husband, the show's creator. For "The Madison," she committed after discussions with Sheridan, who described it as a profound love story set against a backdrop of family grief and rebuilding.

Filming "The Madison" in Montana involved enduring harsh elements, forging strong bonds among the cast through shared hardship. Pfeiffer noted the poetic yet naturalistic quality of Sheridan's writing, requiring careful performance to ground the dialogue.

In "Margo's Got Money Troubles," Pfeiffer embraced a more flamboyant persona for her character Cheyenne. She found the role, particularly the dynamic with her onscreen granddaughter, to be a rewarding challenge.

Juggling these demanding projects shifted Pfeiffer's perspective on work-life balance. She now prioritizes being present with family and friends, a significant change from her previous habit of carrying work stress constantly. Pfeiffer expressed immense satisfaction in playing such complex, mature characters at this stage of her career.