2025 Emmys: Big Wins and Breakthrough Moments

Television’s biggest night returned to Los Angeles on September 14, as the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in storytelling, performance, and innovation on the small screen. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze at the Peacock Theater, the ceremony blended tradition with surprise, honoring both established favourites and breakthrough newcomers. 

From Noah Wyle’s long-awaited win to 15-year-old Owen Cooper’s historic breakthrough, the 2025 Emmys offered a snapshot of an industry in transition – where prestige dramas, inventive comedies, and bold anthology series all shared the spotlight.

What are the Emmys?

The Emmy Awards are among the most prestigious honours in television, recognising excellence in American primetime TV – dramatic series, comedies, limited/anthology series, performances in shows, technical work, etc. They’re a benchmark for both critical recognition and influence in the industry. Usually held annually, the Emmys are voted on by the Television Academy, and winning often means more visibility, bigger budgets, and more creative freedom.

Big wins & breakthroughs

This year’s Emmy winners spanned an impressive range of genres, underscoring the breadth of talent and creativity across television. The Pitt claimed the coveted award for Outstanding Drama Series, with its star Noah Wyle also taking home Lead Actor in a Drama, while Britt Lower’s performance in Severance earned her Lead Actress in the same category. 

On the comedy side, The Studio emerged as a major force, winning Outstanding Comedy Series and delivering Seth Rogen his first-ever Emmy for Lead Actor – a milestone he marked with a heartfelt and humorous speech recalling his disbelief at the win and the childhood memory of once buying himself a used bowling trophy. Jean Smart added another accolade to her career, winning Lead Actress in a Comedy for Hacks.
Anthology series Adolescence also proved a standout, securing multiple awards, including Stephen Graham’s lead role and a history-making Supporting Actor win for 15-year-old Owen Cooper. Meanwhile, Severance continued its awards momentum with Tramell Tillman recognised as Supporting Actor in a Drama. 

Rounding out the evening, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Talk Series, with the big win earning a standing ovation. Just two months earlier, CBS had announced the show would end in May 2026, citing financial reasons. The decision sparked public debate over whether the cancellation was tied to Colbert’s recent criticism of a $16 million Donald Trump settlement by parent company Paramount – though the network maintains it was based solely on cost, not content.

What’s next for television?

The 2025 Emmy Awards also revealed several distinct trends shaping television today. Limited and anthology series remain in the ascendant, with titles such as Adolescence and The Penguin demonstrating that shorter-format storytelling can command both critical acclaim and awards recognition. At the same time, younger performers are making a notable impact, highlighted by 15-year-old Owen Cooper’s historic win, which suggests the Academy is increasingly willing to spotlight emerging talent in substantive roles. 

Comedy, too, is proving itself a space for reinvention, with The Studio not only earning top nominations but also securing major wins, underscoring the genre’s capacity to introduce fresh creative voices. Perhaps most striking, however, was the balance across this year’s winners: celebrated veterans sharing the stage with relative newcomers, giving the ceremony a blend of prestige and discovery that reflects a television landscape in continual evolution.