Shocking snubs and wins make Emmys 2025 TV’s most thrilling night

Television’s best and brightest descended upon the red carpet for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles last night and the ceremony did not disappoint.

With several favourites across different categories, the awards still managed to make for a riveting competition when a few snubs and surprises managed to create upsets along the way.

Here’s the lineup of the biggest snubs and shocks on TV’s biggest night:

Snub — ‘The White Lotus’

Despite receiving 23 nominations, tied with Severance, The White Lotus was only able to bag a single Emmy Award — Original Main Title Theme Music for composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer.

Shock — Stephen Graham beats Colin Farrell

Adolescence’s Stephen Graham shocked audiences to nab the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie over Colin Farrell’s work in The Penguin, which was considered a favourite going into the show.

Snub — Kathy Bates

An industry veteran and considerably in the twilight of her career, Kathy Bates being left empty handed made for a bit of an upset. She lost out to Severance’s Britt Lower for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series — a category Bates was nominated in for her work on Matlock.

Shock — Noah Wyle

After decades in the business and rising to stardom thanks to his role on the ‘90s medical drama ER, Noah Wyle won his first ever Emmy Award for another med themed show, The Pitt.

Snub — women directors

When Elizabeth Banks took to the stage to present the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, she spent a good chunk of her time appreciating the fact that five of the six nominees in the category were women — just to see the only male candidate, Adolescence’s Philip Barantini, lift the award.

Shock — Jeff Hiller beats Harrison Ford

Described by Variety as “the night’s least-known nominee”, Jeff Hiller won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the equally unrenowned show, Somebody Somewhere, beating category favourite Harrison Ford — nominated in the category for his work on Shrinking.

Snub — The Bear

An Emmy dominating series since its debut, The Bear was entirely snubbed at this year’s ceremony, despite its 13 nominations — a fate which the show also suffered at the Creative Arts Emmys last weekend.