Best and Worst Moments of the 2025 Emmys

The 2025 Emmy Awards delivered an evening filled with glamour, emotional victories, and a few awkward missteps. From standing ovations to controversial hosting gimmicks, here are the highlights that defined the night.


Best Moments

Stephen Colbert’s Emotional Triumph


Stephen Colbert received a powerful standing ovation after winning Outstanding Talk Series for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The victory was bittersweet following the news that CBS will not renew his show. His heartfelt speech about perseverance and gratitude left a strong impression.

Tramell Tillman Makes History


Tramell Tillman became the first Black actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama for his role in Severance. His touching tribute to his mother and moving acceptance speech were among the night’s most inspiring moments.

Red Carpet Fashion Wins


Tramell Tillman became the first Black actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama for his role in Severance. His touching tribute to his mother and moving acceptance speech were among the night’s most inspiring moments.

Red Carpet Fashion Wins


Noah Wyle made waves by wearing a tuxedo designed by Figs, a company best known for medical scrubs. Several other stars dazzled on the red carpet, even while admitting to the discomfort of corsets and tight gowns that limited their breathing.

Worst Moments

Nate Bargatze’s Countdown Stunt


Host Nate Bargatze introduced a controversial gimmick by placing a countdown clock on acceptance speeches. Winners who spoke longer than 45 seconds were penalized, with donations tied to the time remaining. The idea was meant to be entertaining, but it struck many as tone-deaf during heartfelt speeches.

Awkward Golden Girls Tribute


A tribute to The Golden Girls attempted to honor the legendary sitcom but was criticized for overlooking key cast members and the show’s original creators, leaving fans disappointed.

Distracting Speech Notes


Several winners used handwritten notes with personal messages visible to the cameras. While some found it creative, others felt it distracted from the authenticity of their speeches.

Conclusion

The 2025 Emmys offered a mix of triumphs and missteps. Stephen Colbert’s farewell win and Tramell Tillman’s historic achievement highlighted the best of the night, while awkward hosting decisions and misfired tributes reminded us that even Hollywood’s biggest events are never perfect.