Emmys 2025: Snubs, Surprises and the Big Winners Night

15 September 2025

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The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards brought home its usual mix of predictable wins, jaw-dropping surprises, and some snubs that had viewers talking long after the final trophy was handed out. Some shows soared past expectations while others expected to dominate wound up empty-handed. Here’s a look at the moments that stood out.

One of the biggest stories of the night was Adolescence, which didn’t just collect acclaim it swept the acting categories and took home Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, among other honors. A major milestone came when 15-year-old Owen Cooper won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, making him the youngest male actor ever to win an acting Emmy. Erin Doherty also was among its acting winners. The show’s storytelling, performances, and technical work were all celebrated.

In comedy categories The Studio broke records. It became the most awarded freshman comedy in a single season, racking up 13 trophies including Seth Rogen’s win as Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

On the drama side the surprise came from The Pitt, which won Outstanding Drama Series. Noah Wyle took Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in the show while Katherine LaNasa emerged as a surprise win for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Many had expected that category to go to someone from The White Lotus, which instead suffered a complete shutout.

Speaking of snubs, Kathy Bates in Matlock was widely considered a front-runner for Lead Actress in a Drama Series but did not win. Viewers and critics alike were surprised when Britt Lower won that category for Severance. Another big snub was The White Lotus and The Bear, both with multiple nominations and buzz, but neither took home any major Emmy wins.

Jeff Hiller’s win was one of the more heartwarming surprises. He won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Somebody Somewhere, beating out much more familiar names. He expressed in his speech how meaningful the win was after years of building his career.

Cristin Milioti was another surprise winner. She took the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Penguin, over strong competition. And while Severance had led all nominations this year, it ended the night with fewer wins than expected, though still climbing to collect awards in key acting categories.

Even amid the surprises some moments felt like payoffs long in coming. Katherine LaNasa’s win especially touched viewers because she has been in the industry many years, often in supporting roles, and tonight she stepped fully into the spotlight.

Overall Emmy night was a reminder that even when nominations stack in one show’s favor performance, timing and category dynamics matter a lot. A crowded field can split votes. Hotly tipped favorites may not win if the storylines shift. And sometimes the most memorable moments are not the ones everyone saw coming