The 2025 Emmys took place last night at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, showcasing a night filled with stellar performances and remarkable achievements in television. The ceremony celebrated the biggest winners of the year, with shows like Adolescence, The Pitt, and The Studio taking center stage.
Adolescence, the critically acclaimed Netflix series and recently named Euronews Culture’s Top TV Show of 2025 (So Far), captivated audiences and judges alike. The series won multiple awards, including the prestigious titles of Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, awarded to the young star Owen Cooper. At just 15 years old, Cooper made history as the youngest recipient of this award, surpassing notable nominees such as Javier Bardem from "Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story" and Peter Sarsgaard from "Presumed Innocent."
Cooper's acceptance speech resonated with many, as he reflected on his journey: "It's just so surreal. Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn't expect to be even in the United States, never mind here." His inspiring words emphasized the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to achieve dreams.
The series Adolescence depicts a gripping narrative about a teenage boy arrested for the murder of a female classmate. It received acclaim not just for its compelling writing and performances but also for its technical brilliance, being filmed in a single continuous take. The show sparked essential discussions about online misogyny and the influence of social media on young minds, leading to significant socio-political changes in both the UK and France, where the French government has decided to incorporate "Adolescence" into school curricula.
The night also witnessed the triumph of Seth Rogen's Hollywood satire, The Studio, which swept the comedy categories with awards for directing, writing, and Outstanding Actor. The series broke the record for the most wins by a single comedy series, amassing a total of 13 awards, and becoming the most awarded comedy in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by The Bear.
Meanwhile, the medical drama The Pitt was recognized as the best drama series, with Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa taking home awards for their outstanding performances. In a historic moment, Tramell Tillman won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, making him the first black man to achieve this honor.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver continued its reign in the variety category, securing two awards for Variety Series and Outstanding Scripted Variety Series. In a bittersweet moment, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which faced cancellation earlier this year, won the award for Outstanding Talk Series. Colbert's heartfelt acceptance highlighted the love and passion for his craft, leaving the audience with a standing ovation.
This year's Emmy ceremony introduced a unique charitable initiative. Host Nate Bargatze pledged a $100,000 donation to charity, with reductions for speeches that exceeded the time limit. The event concluded with a total donation of $250,000 to The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, showcasing a commitment to giving back to the community.
The 2025 Emmys not only celebrated outstanding talent but also highlighted the ongoing evolution of storytelling in television, setting the stage for future innovations and discussions in the industry.