Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood nominated in inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Awards
A sophomore Musical Theatre Performance major from Central Square, New York, Wood was nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance for his performance as ‘Nate’ in ‘Better Nate Than Ever’ on Disney+.
Current Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood (IAA 22-) is among the nominees for the inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
A sophomore Musical Theatre Performance major from Central Square, New York, Wood was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Performance category for his starring role as “Nate Foster” in the Disney+ musical comedy Better Nate Than Ever.
"I am unbelievably excited and honored by this opportunity,” Wood said. “It definitely came as a shock, but I am over the moon. I am so grateful for the community I have here at Interlochen Arts Academy to celebrate with me. I feel so supported by everyone in the theatre company, and I'm so happy to be here."
"The entire Theatre department is very proud of Rueby,” said Interlochen Director of Theatre Bill Church. “This is a significant accomplishment and well deserved. We are excited for his continued growth and look forward to working with him here at the Academy."
Based on Tim Federle’s 2013 novel of the same name, Better Nate Than Ever follows the adventures of 13-year-old Nate Foster (Wood), who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. The film premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2022 before arriving on Disney+ on April 1. Better Nate Than Ever was also nominated for awards in six other categories, including Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Program, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program. Friends star Lisa Kudrow, who appeared in the film as “Aunt Heidi,” also received a nod for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program.
The Children’s and Family Emmy Awards were launched by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2022 in response to the rapid growth of children’s and family content over the past two years. The awards mark the first standalone expansion of the Emmy Award competition since 1979. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Dec. 11, 2022.
