Why the Emmys Ignored Charlie Kirk’s Tragedy—Yet Still Dived into Politics

At the 2025 Emmy Awards, politics mingled quietly with a night filled with celebration and creativity. Despite the shadows cast by the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, many attendees chose to keep political commentary to a minimum. This was striking given how events like these usually spark debate and unity in troubled times.

Some speakers didn’t shy away from politics altogether. Hannah Einbinder, a star from Hacks, ended her speech with a fiery statement against ICE and support for Palestine. Meanwhile, Megan Stalter, another actress from the same show, showcased her beliefs on the red carpet with a “CEASE FIRE” bag. Presenters like Bryan Cranston even took light-hearted jabs at celebrities like Tom Hanks.

Yet, there were moments that leaned more toward hope than division. Jean Smart, winning best actress in a comedy, encouraged kindness with her simple message: “Be good to each other.” Stephen Colbert reflected on the show’s evolution over the past decade, intertwining themes of love and loss, saying, “I’ve never loved my country more desperately.”

Mary Steenburgen, while accepting a humanitarian award, touched on the balance between love and fear in our world. She argued for a shift away from fear, focusing instead on love and community action. Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of storytelling in bringing people together.

Interestingly, host Nate Bargatze, known for his family-friendly humor, completely avoided political content during his monologue. He aimed for a relaxed atmosphere, stating that his goal was to create an inclusive environment regardless of spectators’ backgrounds or beliefs.

This choice aligns with a broader trend seen in recent award shows, where some entertainers are stepping back from overt political statements, aiming for unity instead. A 2023 survey by Variety found that 67% of viewers wanted awards shows to be more entertaining and less political.

In our increasingly divided society, the Emmy Awards reflected both the desire for connection and the reality of ongoing tensions. While some may crave political discourse, others seek moments of joy and togetherness, even in the midst of tragedy.

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