It was an eventful night for the best in television.
The 2025 Emmy Awards was hosted by first-time emcee Nate Bargatze, and unlike years past, the TV Academy spread the love to multiple shows.
“The Studio,” “Severance,” “The Pitt,” “Hacks,” “Somebody Somewhere,” “Slow Horses,” “Adolescence,” “Andor” and “The Penguin” all took home trophies during the star-studded ceremony.
“The Pitt” won Outstanding Drama Series, “The Studio” won Outstanding Comedy Series and “Adolescence” won Outstanding Limited Series.
The acting wins went to Seth Rogen, Tramell Tillman, Britt Lower, Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Jeff Hiller, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Cristin Milioti, Katherine LaNasa and Noah Wyle.
But the show also featured some cringy moments, including Bargatze’s opening. In a new twist to his famous “SNL” sketch, Bargatze played Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of television, and mocked the state of TV with Bowen Yang, James Austin Johnson and Mikey Day.
Here are the best and worst moments of the 2025 Emmy Awards.
BEST: ‘The Golden Girls’ tribute
Reba McEntire led a celebrated tribute to “The Golden Girls” for the show’s 45th anniversary. The country icon was joined by Little Big Town singers Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman as they sang the series’ theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” inside a replica of Blanche, Sophia, Rose and Dorothy’s kitchen. And the whole audience sang and danced along!
WORST: Nate Bargatze’s opening segment
That was one way to start the Emmys. Bargatze’s opening bit was a play on his famous “Washington’s Dream” sketch from “SNL.” Set 100 years in the past, the comedian cringingly poked fun at the current landscape of television and streaming. He was joined by three “SNL” stars who actually survived the brutal cast shakeup. Once Bargatze took the stage, he informed the audience that he was donating $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club — so long as the winners kept their acceptance speeches under 45 seconds.
BEST: Owen Cooper and Tramell Tillman make history
Owen Cooper was the breakout star of Netflix’s “Adolescence.” His performance as a 13-year-old schoolboy accused of murdering his classmate earned him the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The win was historic, as Cooper is now the youngest male winner of any Emmy acting category, ever.
Tramell Tillman’s role as Seth Milchick in “Severance” deservingly earned him the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series over heavyweights like Walton Goggins and Sam Rockwell. He became the first black actor to win in that category.
WORST: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 actors get shut out
“The White Lotus” was an Emmys darling in its first two seasons, but Season 3 didn’t win over voters. Seven actors from the show were nominated in the drama supporting categories, but none of them won. The biggest shocks were Carrie Coon and Walton Goggins, who both gave arguably their career-best performances in Thailand.
BEST: ‘Gilmore Girls’ reunion
The Emmys took a quick detour to Stars Hollow. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel had a “Gilmore Girls” reunion as they presented the comedy writing award, cracking jokes about the beloved show’s low budget while standing in front of a re-created set of Lorelai’s front porch. Happy 25 years, “Gilmore Girls.”
WORST: Elizabeth Banks makes it about herself
When Elizabeth Banks took the stage to present Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, she talked a whole lot about herself. “If you’re unfamiliar with my work, I’m an actress, director, producer, spokeswoman, a Lego heroine and the host of the game show ‘Press Your Luck,’” Banks told the crowd. “So if you’re unfamiliar with my work, why are you here, and how did you get in?” The audience rightfully groaned in response.
BEST: “The Pitt” wins Best Drama Series
“The Pitt” was the fan-favorite program during this Emmys cycle, and it pulled off the biggest award of the night: Best Drama Series. Noah Wyle also won Lead Actor in a Drama Series, nearly 30 years after he lost five times for “ER,” and Katherine LaNasa won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
BEST: The TV Academy spreads the love
You get an Emmy! And you get an Emmy! The TV Academy decided to reward shows across the board throughout the night. Of course, “The Studio,” “Adolescence” and “Severance” won big as was expected. But other shows — like “Andor,” “Slow Horses” and “Somebody Somewhere” — got their due, as well.
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