All the big wins and highlights from the 77th Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards have long been the ultimate celebration of television’s creativity, ambition, and cultural impact. This year, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards brought together the crème de la crème of television under one glittering roof at Los Angeles’ iconic Peacock Theatre. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony honoured another year of television that has captivated audiences, broken boundaries, and redefined the art of storytelling. From red carpet arrivals that rivalled haute couture shows to unforgettable moments on stage, the Emmys offered a dazzling glimpse into the artistry, ambition, and glamour that continue to shape the world of television.

But beyond the glamour and red carpet spectacle, the Emmys remain a stage for recognising outstanding performances and landmark storytelling. And this year’s ceremony was no exception, with moments of triumph, surprise, and record-breaking wins that underscored the evolving landscape of television.

Adolescence dominated the 2025 Emmys, taking home six trophies from 13 nominations and making history as 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest-ever male actor to win an Emmy. The Pitt, also nominated in 13 categories, stunned audiences when it grabbed the Best Drama award, over Severance, which had a record 27 nominations, but only took home two wins. 

Here are the big wins and highlights from the event. 

'Adolescence' wins big at the Emmys 2025

Netflix’s Adolescence was the undisputed star of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, sweeping the major categories in the Limited or Anthology Series division. With a total of 13 nominations, the series won across categories such as Best Limited Series, Best Writing, Best Directing, and acting accolades across both lead and supporting roles. Speaking of, 15-year-old Owen Cooper made history as the youngest-ever male actor to win an Emmy, earning the Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old accused of murder. Critics praised his debut for its remarkable depth and authenticity.

Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty also took home awards for their performances, while the creative team, including Graham, Jack Thorne, and Philip Barantini secured wins for writing and directing. Shot in single-take episodes, the series captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 140 million views in three months, and sparked important cultural conversations about online “incel” culture, even earning recognition from the British government for educational purposes.

'Severance's' shocking defeat

This one came as a real shocker to everyone. AppleTV's Severance was a fan favourite, and its staggering 27 nominations had everyone expecting at least a handful of wins. Sadly, the series received only two awards, surprising both fans and critics. No surprise here, Britt Lower took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Helly Riggs, while Tramell Tillman won Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Seth Milchick. Both actors delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, with Lower even adding a humorous touch by with a “LET ME OUT” note on the back of her thank you speech note, a nod to her character’s struggles in the show, highlighting the series’ darkly comic and unsettling tone that fans have come to love.

'The Pitt' emerges as the underdog

The Pitt emerged as the season’s unexpected star, taking home five major awards from its 13 nominations. The HBO Max medical drama, set in the high-stakes world of a Pittsburgh trauma centre, drew viewers in with its real-time storytelling and deeply layered characters. Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa both received their first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, respectively, while Shawn Hatosy won the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series award. The Pitt's success at the Emmys was unexpected, but it highlights the growing appetite for character-driven dramas that blend emotional depth with gripping, high-pressure storytelling.

Stephen Colbert gets a standing ovation

Stephen Colbert opened the show, coming on stage to present the first award of the night when he recieved a standing ovation with chants of "Stephen, Stephen!" echoing inside the theatre. He responded with a hilarious jibe: "While I have your attention...is anyone hiring because I have 200 very qualified candidates who will be available in June. I also brought my resume," he quipped, holding up an old headshot of himself. “I haven’t had a chance to update my headshot in a bit, but I think it still works,” he joked. CBS may have cancelled his show, but Stephen Colbert still took home the Outstanding Talk Series award for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 

The brutal new 'keep it short' rule

Comedian Nate Bargatze hosted the Emmys for the first time, and he introduced a brutal new rule to keep the ceremony moving on time and for winners to keep their speeches short and crisp. He announced a large charity donation and stated that any award winner whose speech exceeded the 45-second mark, would be guilty of having charity money deducted from the pool. Now, that's one way to keep it short and sweet!

All the Emmy snubs

Of course, no award season is complete without its share of surprising omissions, and this year was no different. HBO’s The White Lotus entered the race with a staggering 23 nominations but walked away empty-handed, a shocking shut-out for one of television’s most talked-about ensembles. Then there's The Bear, which has redefined the modern comedy with its mix of grit and vulnerability, but sadly, was left behind in the major categories, despite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri delivering powerhouse performances. Over in anthology, Black Mirror failed to convert its nominations into wins, even as Rashida Jones’ haunting turn drew critical acclaim. And perhaps most unexpected of all, The Last of Us—a global phenomenon that blended prestige drama with pop-culture appeal was denied its place in Emmy history, losing out on both Best Drama and its top acting categories. 

Emmy honours late Maggie Smith, Ozzy Osbourne, and others

Like every year, this year too, the Emmys dedicated a few minutes to those whom the industry lost this year. "Who We Lost", the slideshow read, and it featured pictures of Ozzy Osbourne, Quincy Jones, Maggie Smith, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, David Lynch, Michelle Trachtenberg, and others.

A Labubu on the red carpet!

Yes, you read that right! A Labubu was seen sashaying down the red carpet as RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 star Joella dressed up as the current internet obsession. With a face covered with fur and a shiny red dress, she completed her look with a Chinese takeout box for a handbag!

PDA on the red carpet

The Emmys red carpet doubled as date night for some of Hollywood’s favourite couples. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco made their official debut, walking hand-in-hand before sharing a sweet kiss for the cameras. Kristen Bell struck a playful pose with husband Dax Shepard, while Scarlett Johansson glided in alongside Colin Jost. And Adam Brody with Leighton Meester proved once again why they remain one of the red carpet’s most beloved pairings.

Check out the complete list of winners below. 

Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle for The Pitt

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower for Severance

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman for Severance

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa for The Pitt

Outstanding Director in a Drama Series: Adam Randall for Slow Horses

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series: Stephen Graham for Adolescence

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series: Cristin Milioti for The Penguin

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series: Owen Cooper for Adolescence

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series: Edin Doherty for Adolescence

Outstanding Director of a Limited or Anthology Series: Philip Barantini for Adolescence

Outstanding Writing in Limited or Anthology Series: Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham for Adolescence

Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen for The Studio

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jeans Smart for Hacks

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller for Somebody Somewhere

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder for Hacks

Outstanding Director of a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen for The Studio

Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors

Outstanding Talk Series: Stephen Colbert for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

All images: Getty Images

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