Stephen Colbert Gets a Standing Ovation
Stephen Colbert was the first presenter invited to the stage, and he immediately brought the audience to its feet.
“While I have your attention, is anybody hiring?” he joked just weeks after the announcement of the cancellation of The Late Show. “Because I have 200 well-qualified candidates here.”
He proceeded to pull out an ancient headshot and joke about getting it to Stephen Spielberg.
Engaged Couples Bring the Love
Gomez glowed in a red halter dress as she snuggled up to Blanco. They’re nuptials are reportedly only weeks away!
Meanwhile, Segel shared with E! that wedding planning is “getting there.”
One More Hack
Hannah Einbinder reflected on heading back to work for the fifth and final season of Hacks.
“It’s definitely going to feel different,” she told E! News. “We start filming next week, and knowing it’s the last season is bittersweet. But it feels right. There’s something satisfying about ending at the right time—about not overstaying your welcome. You dive in, give it everything, laugh, cry, and then let it go.”
The Show Begins — with Help from SNL
The 2025 Emmy Awards opened with a comedy sketch featuring host Nate Bargatze alongside Saturday Night Live cast members Bowen Yang, James Austin Johnson, and Mikey Day. The bit playfully imagined the origins of television, touching on the rise of major networks and the streaming era, which they joked seemed dominated by “murder shows.”
As the skit shifted focus to the Emmys themselves, Bargatze’s character quipped, “There will be awards for all kinds of shows.” Along the way, he poked fun at CBS—dubbed the “Caucasian Broadcast System”—and joked about The Bear competing as a comedy.
The sketch wrapped with Bargatze delivering a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the medium: “We’ve created a world where brilliant artists tell stories of staggering beauty—and millions of people watch them on their phones while sitting on the toilet. That is television, and this is the Emmys.”
The curtain has closed on the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, marking the end of television’s biggest celebration of the year. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the evening featured plenty of nostalgia, with memorable cast reunions from beloved shows like Gilmore Girls and Everybody Loves Raymond.
It was a big night for several standout series. The Pitt took home five trophies, including Best Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor for Noah Wyle, and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Katherine LaNasa. Meanwhile, The Studio dominated the comedy categories with 13 wins in total, earning accolades such as Best Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor. Adolescence also had a strong showing, collecting eight awards, including Best Limited or Anthology Series and three of the four major acting prizes.
Other notable victories went to The Penguin, Hacks, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, each securing recognition in key categories.
Beyond the awards, the ceremony delivered some headline-making moments. Country star Reba McEntire announced her engagement, and the annual “In Memoriam” tribute honored the lives and legacies of those the industry lost this year, including actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
From heartfelt speeches to surprise wins and touching reunions, the Emmys once again captured the magic of television while celebrating the artistry and talent that drive the industry forward.
As the ceremony came to a close, host Nate Bargatze revealed the outcome of his lighthearted fundraiser challenge with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which was meant to encourage winners to keep their speeches brief. The final tally, he admitted, was disappointingly low.
Still, Bargatze ended the night on a generous note. He announced he would personally donate $250,000 to the organization, with CBS adding another $100,000 to the cause.
In the end, while the acceptance speeches may not have been dramatically shorter though they did seem a bit more concise than in years past the initiative paid off in a different way: the kids benefitted most of all.
Noah Wyle Picks Up His First Emmy — and ‘The Pitt’ Wins Big
“Wow, what an absolute dream,” Noah Wyle said as he accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to The Pitt’s creators, cast, and crew, before turning his thanks to his wife, parents, step-parents, and children.
Wyle closed on a heartfelt note, dedicating the award to healthcare professionals, saying it was for “anyone starting or ending a shift tonight thank you for the work you do.”
Not long after, The Pitt itself was honored with the award for Outstanding Drama Series. Accepting on behalf of the team, creator R. Scott Gemmill reinforced Wyle’s sentiment, taking a moment to salute healthcare workers once again.
Everybody Loves ‘The Studio’
Everybody Loves Raymond stars Ray Romano and Brad Garrett reunited to present the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series to The Studio.
“I’ll do my best attempt at sincerity,” Seth Rogen began as he accepted the award. “I’m legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me.”
The Studio received 23 total nominations.
‘Adolescence’ Completes the Cycle
Netflix’s Adolescence capped off its strong showing in the Limited Series categories by taking home the award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, after earning 13 nominations in total.
‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Scores
Before the winner for Outstanding Variety Talk Series was even revealed, the audience at the Peacock Theater rose to their feet in anticipation. When The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was announced, Colbert took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech.
He began by thanking CBS for allowing him to be part of the late-night television legacy and expressed deep gratitude to the viewers who have supported him and his team for two decades. He also acknowledged his family before reflecting on the original vision for the show.
Colbert explained that while he once set out to make a program rooted in love, over time it became, in many ways, a show about loss. “And that’s connected to love,” he said, “because you only realize how deeply you care about something when you sense the possibility of losing it.”
Closing on an emotional note, he declared, “Ten years later, in September 2025, I have never loved my country more fiercely. God bless America. Stay strong, be brave and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor.”
‘Adolescence’ Wins Again. Don’t Be Shocked.
Stephen Graham earned the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his role in Adolescence.
Accepting the award, he reflected on his journey: “I’m just a mixed-race kid … and standing here is the most humbling experience. It proves that any dream can be achieved.”
He expressed gratitude to the show’s cast, crew, and his entire team before turning to his family. “To my kids, Grace and Alfie, and to my wonderful wife without you, I wouldn’t be here. In fact, without you, I wouldn’t be alive,” he said, his voice full of emotion.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Others Honored
The In Memoriam tribute was introduced by Phylicia Rashad, who began by honoring her Cosby Show co-star, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
“Like all the friends and colleagues we’ve lost this year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains forever in our hearts,” she said. Rashad reminded the audience that the Emmys tradition is not only about remembering talent, but also about celebrating the way these individuals inspired us to believe in something greater the best within ourselves. “Though they may no longer be here,” she added, “their legacy endures. Their stories live on, their impact continues, and the lives they touched will always reflect their brilliance. Whether you grew up watching them or discovered them only recently, their work is woven into the fabric of our industry.”
As Rashad’s words echoed through the theater, Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson performed a moving rendition of a classic ballad. On the screen behind them, the names and images of those lost appeared, among them Julian McMahon, Ozzy Osbourne, Loni Anderson, Chuck Woolery, Ruth Buzzi, Richard Chamberlain, Michelle Trachtenberg, Loretta Swit, John Amos, Maggie Smith, David Lynch, Linda Lavin, and Quincy Jones.
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Win Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
The couple, admired not only for their acting careers but also for their dedication to philanthropy, were celebrated for their ongoing contributions to numerous organizations and causes.
Ted Danson opened their acceptance by expressing gratitude to the Television Academy and paying tribute to Bob Hope’s family. His wife, Mary Steenburgen, followed by reflecting on the deeper meaning of the recognition. “This honor would have meant everything to our parents,” she said. “Because in so many ways, it reflects the values they instilled in us.”
They spoke about the example their parents set by giving back and explained how that continues to shape their own choices. “We refuse to live in fear,” Steenburgen shared. “Instead, we dedicate ourselves to working with groups that replace fear with love, putting us right at the center of it.”
The pair closed by thanking their families and the wider community of supporters who have stood with them. The award was presented by The Good Place star Kristen Bell and producer Michael Schur.
Cristin Milioti Scores Another ‘Bright Spot‘
Cristin Milioti took the stage visibly overwhelmed and emotional as she accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie for her performance in The Penguin.
Apologizing with a laugh, she held up her speech. “I scribbled this on the back of my therapy notes, so please don’t read the other side,” she joked. She went on to express gratitude for the moments of light in her journey, adding that while portraying Sofia Falcone was often dark and heavy, the experience also “felt like flying.”
Milioti warmly thanked her parents “for supporting your eccentric kid and introducing me to films that were wildly inappropriate for my age.” She also gave a shout-out to her friends, prompting Brian Tyree Henry to rise from his seat and cheer enthusiastically.
She ended her speech with a heartfelt declaration: “I love acting!”
‘Adolescence’ Continues to Dominate
Erin Doherty won for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her turn in Adolescence.
She played the therapist in the unforgettable third episode of the powerful Netflix series.
“This is dedicated to my big sister, Grace,” Doherty said. “Thank you to the Academy and you’re all… [bleeped].”
Law & Order Avengers Assemble
Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T and Christopher Meloni are sitting together and having a ball.
“Hanging with friends,” Meloni captioned a selfie with his Law & Order: SVU pals.
They’re all expected to present an award together later in the evening to celebrate 35 years of Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise.
Scarlett Johansson Kisses Colin Jost as SNL50 Wins
Upon Tina Fey announcing SNL50: The Anniversary Special picking up Best Variety Special, Scarlett Johansson was shown kissing her husband, Colin Jost, before he joined Lorne Michaels on stage.
Michaels recalled the planning process for the milestone anniversary and remembered hearing NBC telling him, “We don’t care what it costs as long as it’s good.”
Gilmore Girls Reunite to Say A Lot of Words
Seeing Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel step onto a recreated Gilmore Girls porch was a nostalgic highlight of the evening. While presenting the Emmy for Writing in a Comedy Series—awarded to the team behind The Studio—the duo slipped right back into their trademark rapid-fire delivery, filled with witty banter, pop culture nods, and of course, plenty of autumn references. (“The show practically had a monopoly on fall,” they joked.)
Their playful exchange also poked fun at the show’s famously small budget. “If The Drew Carey Show next door had a birthday party, we’d end up with their leftover sheet cake,” they quipped.
But they made it clear that while the budget was limited, what they did have were expansive, sharp scripts—a fitting setup that seamlessly led into the presentation of the writing award.
Owen Cooper Makes History
Owen Cooper picked up an Emmy for his first role ever — for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series in Adolescence. He is the youngest to ever win in the category.
“Tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything,” he said. “”I was nothing about three years ago, and now I’m here.”
An Uh Oh! and More Behind the Scenes Moments
PEOPLE spotted Bowen Yang in the front row at the Emmys chatting with Cate Blanchett as he rubbed a Tide Stain Stick on his shirt. We hope it worked!
Elsewhere, Noah Wyle was seen posing for a pic with Bryan Cranston.
And earlier in the evening, Justin Hartley was asking around if anyone had yet seen his This Is Us brother Sterling K. Brown.
A Few More Wins
Was it just me, or did the ceremony seem to be racing by? Seth Rogen returned to the stage, this time joined by longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, as the pair accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for The Studio.
Meanwhile, Adolescence kicked off what looked to be a promising sweep when Philip Barantini claimed the award for Outstanding Directing in a Limited Series. In the drama category, the directing honor went to Adam Randall for Slow Horses, triumphing over tough competition from Severance, The Pitt, Andor, and The White Lotus.
The night also brought another win for Last Week Tonight, which earned the Emmy for Scripted Variety Series.
Sterling K. Brown Scoots Around
When Sterling K. Brown appeared on stage to present the Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, many in the audience immediately noticed something was different. The 49-year-old actor later explained the reason: he recently suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
On September 9, Brown shared the news in a candid Instagram video. “It’s ya boy SKB, checking in because I know I’m going to end up explaining this over and over again,” he said, hoping the post would save him from repeating the story too many times. “Unfortunately, I tore my Achilles tendon,” he continued, noting that the healing process “is going to take some time.”
Despite the injury, Brown kept his sense of humor and his signature upbeat spirit, earning cheers as he presented the award.
Jeff Hiller Scores a Surprise Win for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
In what will definitely be considered one of the night’s biggest surprises, Jeff Hiller took home the prize for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Somebody Somewhere.
Accepting the award, Hiller was emotional as he thanked the people in his life, including his costar Bridget Everett and husband “for never laughing at me.”
Hiller was up against stars from The Studio and Shrinking, including Harrison Ford’s first-ever Emmy nomination.
Hannah Einbinder Gets ‘Punk Rock’ as She Wins for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Hannah Einbinder picked up her first win after four nominations for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on Hacks.
“This is cool too. This is also punk rock,” Einbinder said joking that the win ruined her personal narrative that it was “cooler to continue to lose.”
The star got emotional as she thanked her team, crew and costars, including Jean Smart, and went over time.
Britt Lower Drops an Easter Egg as She Wins for Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Both “Innies” and “Outties” had reason to cheer as Britt Lower took home the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Severance.
On stage, Lower expressed admiration for her fellow nominees and gratitude to her castmates and team. “Thank you for this honor—and thank you to Helly R. for choosing me,” she said, referencing her character.
Fans of the Apple TV+ series were quick to notice a clever Easter egg: on the back of Lower’s speech notes was a scribbled message reading, “Let me out,” a playful nod to the show’s central premise.
Tramell Tillman Wins for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Cue the marching band—Tramell Tillman claimed the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on Severance.
“You remember what you want to remember…” he began, before sharing a heartfelt tribute to his first acting coach—his mother. “She was tough, but all great mothers are,” he said, dedicating the award to her.
Tillman’s win was historic, marking the first time a Black actor has earned the honor in this category.
Katherine LaNasa Wins for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Katherine LaNasa picked up her first Emmy win for her first nomination! She earned the gong for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Pitt.
The star thanked showrunner John Wells, her costars and her team.
She concluded by thanking “my children, for making me real, and my beautiful husband Grant Show for helping me always with everything.”
A Surprise Engaged Duo!
Reba McEntire shared some joyful news on the Emmy Awards red carpet: she and longtime partner Rex Linn are officially engaged after five years together.
The reveal came when an E! News reporter addressed the couple as fiancés, a detail later confirmed by PEOPLE. McEntire, 70, and Linn, 68, first crossed paths back in the 1990s but didn’t begin their romance until 2020, reconnecting after McEntire’s mother passed away and growing closer during quarantine.
Adding to the excitement of the evening, McEntire is set to take the stage during the ceremony to perform as part of a special tribute honoring the 40th anniversary of The Golden Girls.
Jean Smart Wins for Lead Actress in a Comedy
Jean Smart picked up her fourth straight Emmy win for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for season 4 of Hacks.
“One of the best things about winning something like this is you get to publicly thank all the incredible people you work with,” she said.
After thanking her team and her children, she added, “Let’s be good to each other.”
Nate Bargatze Makes a Game of the Speeches
Host Nate Bargatze introduced a playful twist to the evening by tying speech lengths to charity. He announced he would donate $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, with a $1,000 deduction for every second a winner went over 45 seconds.
Fortunately for the cause, the timing worked in their favor early on. The winner just before the announcement, Seth Rogen, wrapped his remarks six seconds under the limit, boosting the donation to $106,000.
And with that, viewers had the added fun of watching the running tally—and the math—unfold throughout the night.
Seth Rogen Wins for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy
Seth Rogen won Lead Actor in a Comedy for his role in The Studio.
“I’ve never won anything in my life,” he said. “When I was a kid I bought a used bowling trophy at an estate sale.”
“I don’t know what to say! This is so nice. Thank you. I appreciate you all,” he concluded. He did not thank Sal Saperstein.
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