The 2025 Emmy Awards brought history-making wins, shocking snubs, and a night dominated by newcomers as Owen Cooper, Hannah Einbinder, Seth Rogen, and shows like Adolescence, The Studio, and The Pitt stole the spotlight.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, which aired Sunday, September 14, 2025, proved that no show or star is ever guaranteed a golden statue. The ceremony became a night of surprises, with newcomers shaking up the competition, beloved favorites underperforming, and several history-making wins.
Despite high expectations, bingeworthy juggernauts like The Bear and The White Lotus failed to dominate. Instead, freshman series including Adolescence, The Studio, and The Pitt racked up an impressive 26 awards combined.
Owen Cooper Makes History with Adolescence
Netflix’s crime drama Adolescence delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments when 15-year-old Owen Cooper won best supporting actor in a limited series. Playing troubled teen Jamie Miller, Cooper became the youngest actor ever to win in the category.
“This is so surreal,” Cooper said in his heartfelt acceptance speech, reflecting on his journey from drama classes to Emmy winner.
Hannah Einbinder Scores Long-Awaited Emmy for Hacks
After four seasons on the HBO Max dramedy Hacks, Hannah Einbinder finally took home her first Emmy for supporting comedy actress. Playing Ava Daniels alongside Jean Smart, Einbinder joked about embracing her “losing streak” before celebrating the victory as “punk rock.”
The White Lotus Misses Big
Despite tying with The Studio for third-most nominations (23), HBO’s The White Lotus managed only one win — for original main title theme music. The dramedy’s underwhelming night was one of the biggest surprises.
Seth Rogen and The Studio Dominate
The breakout comedy The Studio walked away with 13 trophies, including outstanding comedy series, writing, and directing. Seth Rogen, who stars as a conflicted Hollywood executive, also earned his first Emmy for lead actor in a comedy.
“I’ve never won anything in my life,” Rogen joked, recalling how he once bought himself a used bowling trophy.
Severance Underperforms but Makes History
Apple TV+’s sci-fi drama Severance led nominations with 27 but only won eight. Still, Tramell Tillman made Emmys history as the first Black actor to win supporting actor in a drama, while Britt Lower won lead actress in a drama for her role as Helly R.
The Bear Goes Home Empty-Handed
After a huge 2024, FX’s The Bear was shut out this year despite 13 nominations. The dramedy, starring Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri, failed to win in any category.
Jeff Hiller surprises with Somebody Somewhere
Jeff Hiller had a breakthrough moment, winning supporting actor in a comedy for HBO’s Somebody Somewhere. He bested big names like Harrison Ford and Colman Domingo, joking that the world once told him to stick with “computers” instead of acting.
The Pitt Makes a Dramatic Splash
HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt earned five major awards, including outstanding drama series. Noah Wyle won lead actor, and Katherine LaNasa was a surprise winner for supporting actress as nurse Dana Evans, beating veterans like Patricia Arquette and Parker Posey.
LaNasa called the honor “a dream fulfilled,” thanking creator John Wells and real nurses who inspired her role.
