Brad Pitt picks up an Emmy nomination for playing Fauci on SNL

Brad Pitt just earned an Emmy nomination for a performance that Dr. Anthony Fauci essentially willed into existence.

Pitt on Tuesday was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor In a Comedy Series at the 2020 Emmys for playing Fauci in an episode of Saturday Night Live earlier this year. It was a surprise nod for Pitt, who only played Fauci in an opening sketch that lasted a grand total of about three minutes.

The SNL performance, CNN notes, came after Fauci was asked in an interview who should play him on the show, and he responded, "Brad Pitt, of course."

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He may have been just kidding, but the crew at SNL happily took his suggestion seriously. Months later, the result of this offhand comment is Pitt picking up his second Emmy nomination for acting, with the first being in the same category for his role on Friends. Should the recent Oscar-winner go home with the prize this September, lets just say he'll know who to thank.