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The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated the pinnacle of television excellence. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony honored the standout performances and productions of the 2024–2025 season. Apple TV+’s Severance led the nominations with 27, while The Penguin garnered 24. The Studio set a record for a first-year comedy series with 23 nominations, surpassing Ted Lasso‘s 2021 debut record of 20.
In the acting categories, Seth Rogen and Jean Smart took home the awards for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series, respectively. In drama, Noah Wyle and Britt Lower were recognized for their lead roles. Limited series honors went to Stephen Graham and Cristin Milioti. Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, acknowledging their decades of philanthropic work.
The evening also featured tributes to milestone anniversaries, including the 50th season of Survivor, the 20th anniversary of Grey’s Anatomy, the 35th anniversary of Law & Order, and the 25th anniversary of Gilmore Girls. Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill performed “Go Rest High on That Mountain” during the “In Memoriam” segment, honoring television figures who passed away in the past year.
However, the night was not solely about accolades. A palpable sense of activism permeated the event, as several artists used their platform to address pressing global issues.
Hannah Einbinder, who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in HBO’s Hacks, delivered a memorable acceptance speech. Wearing a red Artists4Ceasefire pin, she boldly declared, “Go Birds, f*ck ICE, and free Palestine.” The expletive was censored during the live broadcast, but the message was clear: a call for a ceasefire in Gaza and a denunciation of U.S. immigration policies.
Einbinder’s statement resonated with many, as she emphasized her personal connection to the cause, citing friends working in Gaza and highlighting her responsibility as a Jewish person to separate Jewish identity from the actions of the Israeli state
Spanish actor Javier Bardem also made a strong political statement on the red carpet. Wearing a keffiyeh, he referred to the situation in Gaza as “genocide” and expressed his refusal to work with anyone who supports such actions. Bardem is a signatory of the Film Workers for Palestine pledge, which calls for a boycott of Israeli film institutions.
Other celebrities, including cast members from The White Lotus and Abbott Elementary, wore the Artists4Ceasefire pin, symbolizing a growing movement in the entertainment industry advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians, and the release of all hostages.
The 77th Emmy Awards served as more than just a celebration of television; they became a platform for artists to voice their concerns and advocate for change. In a year marked by global challenges, the entertainment industry demonstrated its power to influence public discourse and bring attention to critical issues.
As the night concluded, the message was clear: the intersection of art and activism is not only possible but necessary. The artists’ bold statements reminded us that while the world of entertainment often reflects society, it also has the power to shape it.
The 77th Emmy Awards will remain available on demand on Paramount+ through September 21.
