Netflix’s hit series Adolescence made waves at this year’s Emmys, bagging six awards. This included wins for best limited series, directing, and writing, alongside three acting awards. Notably, Owen Cooper, at just 15, took home the best supporting actor award, marking a milestone for the youngest winner in that category. He expressed how surreal the moment felt. Erin Doherty also shone, winning best supporting actress.
Stephen Graham had a standout night too, winning best lead actor in a limited series and best writing. He triumphantly beat big names like Colin Farrell and Jake Gyllenhaal, stating it was incredibly humbling for him.
Apple TV+ took home several wins as well. Their comedy The Studio became the most awarded comedy in a single year at the Emmys, with a total of 13 trophies. The show was named best comedy series, and Seth Rogen took home accolades for acting, writing, and directing.
The medical drama The Pitt claimed three awards, including best drama series. Noah Wyle, celebrated for his role, dedicated his win to hospital workers.
Jean Smart won best comedy actress for her role in Hacks, marking her fourth win in this category. Co-star Hannah Einbinder won for supporting actress in a comedy series and shared that Hacks would be concluding after its fifth season.
This year’s Emmys also saw winners using their platforms for social issues. Hannah Einbinder made headlines with her passionate speech regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following suit, Javier Bardem expressed concerns about Israel’s actions, calling it an “apartheid regime.”
TV academy chairman Cris Abrego reminded viewers of the significance of storytelling, especially as Congress debates funding for public broadcasting. His remarks were met with applause and boos.
Stephen Colbert won for best talk series, receiving an enthusiastic response. In his speech, he touched on the evolution of his show and shared his deep love for the country.
The night also highlighted major upsets in various categories. Britt Lower won best actress in a drama series for Severance, and Jeff Hiller claimed the win for best supporting actor in a comedy series, surprising many by beating seasoned nominees.
The competition was fierce this year, with prominent shows like The White Lotus and Only Murders in the Building coming away without any wins.
Statistically, this year’s Emmys saw a rise in recognitions for underrepresented voices, a trend that reflects the ongoing push for diversity in entertainment. According to a recent USC Annenberg report, on-screen representation of people of color in TV is gradually improving, yet there’s still a long way to go.
As the night wrapped up, the Emmys showcased not only the glitz and glamour of awards but also the critical conversations shaping today’s media landscape.
For a complete list of winners, check out this source: Emmys 2025: full list of winners.
