Meet the Standout Nominees in This Year’s Emmy Awards

by Talha · September 7, 2025

Credit : BleedingCool

You probably saw Severance: Season 2 get lots of attention. It got 27 nominations at the Emmy Awards 2025. Other shows also did very well:

The Penguin got 24 nominations.
The Studio earned 23 nominations. It set a new record for a comedy.

See how these top nominees compare:

Show/Performance	Nominations	Notes
Severance	27	Most-nominated show this year
The Studio	23	Record for a new comedy series
The Penguin	24	Popular HBO Max show
The White Lotus	23	Got many nominations
The Last of Us	16	Got many nominations
Ayo Edebiri (The Bear)	2	Nominated for lead actress and directing
Kathy Bates (Matlock)	1	Oldest actress nominated in lead drama
Martin Scorsese	1	First Emmy acting nomination at age 82

Emmy awards 2025 Highlights

Collage featuring Severance, The Penguin, and The Studio – top nominees at the 2025 Emmy Awards. — Credit : TellTaleTv

Top Nominated Shows

Many people saw big changes in the emmy awards 2025 nominations. The announcements were shown live on the Emmys website. This helped everyone watch easily. Here are some important things to know:

Severance got 27 nominations. No other show had more this year.
The Studio is a new comedy. It got 23 nominations, which is a record for a first-year comedy.
Apple TV+ had 81 nominations in total. The network also got 31 acting nominations, which is the most.
Apple TV+ is the only network with more than one show in both the Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series groups.

These numbers show what viewers like is changing. The emmy awards 2025 look at big awards. Predictions talk about 16 top categories. Maybe your favorite show is included!

Did you know? The Penguin and The White Lotus each got over 20 nominations. This means the competition is very strong this year.

Ceremony Details

Here is what you should know about the big event:

Date	Location
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025	Peacock Theater, Los Angeles

You can watch the emmy awards 2025 live on CBS. You can also stream it on Paramount+. Make sure to save the date so you can see all the fun!

Drama Series

Severance: Season 2

Severance: Season 2 is at the top of the drama list for the emmy awards 2025. The story is deep and the show looks great. Critics like how it talks about work and who we are. The actors make every scene feel real. Rachel Tenner and Bess Fifer are the casting directors. They got six nominations for their work. The whole cast makes you care about each person. Severance has less competition this year. Some big shows could not enter, so it is easier for Severance.

Tip: If you like shows that make you think, Severance: Season 2 is a good choice to talk about with friends.

Here is a quick look at what critics say about Severance and The Pitt:

Series	Critical Reception
Severance	Has the most nominations. Critics like its big ideas and great quality.
The Pitt	Surprised people with strong feelings and lots of emotion.

Kristen Baldwin thinks Severance’s second season is good, but The Pitt’s first season has more feeling.
Matt Roush says The Pitt is about heart, while Severance makes you think.

Andor

Andor brings new excitement to Star Wars. Almost all critics give it good reviews. The show makes the galaxy feel bigger and more interesting. Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgard, and Genevieve O’Reilly act very well. Their acting helps Andor become a top drama nominee. If you like action and smart stories, Andor is a great choice.

The show adds new things to the Star Wars story.
Critics say the actors make every scene feel real.
You see new sides of characters you know.

The Pitt Earns Top Honors and Sets a New Standard for TV Drama

Explore More : Super Troopers 3 Production Officially Underway with New Cast Members

The Diplomat

The Diplomat shows what happens in politics. Some critics say it is a new kind of political show. Others think it is simple and easy to watch. The show gets high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Most people enjoy it. The second season is even more exciting. There are new surprises and strong acting.

Source	Opinion	Rating/Score
Evening Standard	“Interesting look at political drama”	N/A
Radio Times	“Simple and easy to watch”	N/A
Financial Times	“Not very detailed and a bit much”	N/A
Rotten Tomatoes	One of the most fun dramas on TV	95%
Metacritic	Most reviews are good	76/100
The Guardian	“Many great shows at once”	N/A

Note: The Diplomat may not be the hardest drama, but it is fun and has strong characters.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us keeps fans and critics happy. Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal do a great job in their roles. They work well together and make the show special. Season 2 has more action and more feelings. The story comes from a video game but grows on TV. Some reviews say the pace is slow sometimes, but most people like the characters.

Category	Nominations	Notable Actors
Total Nominations	15	Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, 4 guest stars
Acting Nominations	6	Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal

Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal act very well.
The show makes you care about the characters.
Some episodes are slow, but the feelings stay with you.

Other Nominees

There are more drama shows to pick this year. The White Lotus is back with its special style and smart writing. The Pitt surprises people with strong feelings. Each show is different, so you can find one you like.

The White Lotus mixes mystery and drama in a pretty place.
The Pitt is special for its strong feelings and good actors.
Every nominee has new stories and new actors.

If you want to watch the best drama shows before the emmy awards 2025, start with these top picks. Each show gives you something fun to talk about and enjoy.

Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary is a show many people know. It makes fans and critics happy. The story is about teachers who work hard. The show is funny and real. The cast is great. Some actors got nominated for big awards. Quinta Brunson leads the writing team. People praise her work a lot. Abbott Elementary changes how people see schools. People talk about it at school and online.

Tip: Abbott Elementary is a good choice if you want a funny and real comedy.

Here’s why Abbott Elementary got a nomination:

Audiences and critics like it every season
The show changes culture
The cast gives strong performances
Quinta Brunson leads great writing

Hacks

Hacks wins many awards before the emmy awards 2025. Every episode has smart jokes and stories. Critics and fans love watching Hacks. The show won big awards like Critics Choice, PGA, and DGA. Many people think Hacks will win at the Emmys this year.

Hacks won many awards before the Emmys
It is a favorite in comedy
Hacks could win at the 2025 Emmy Awards

Other Nominees

There are many comedy shows to watch this year. The nominees show new ideas. These shows look at the future and how people change. The Bear shows feelings in hard times. Only Murders in the Building looks at crime in a new way. The Studio brings new ideas to comedy.

Here are the most nominated comedy series:

The Bear
Hacks
Only Murders in the Building
The Studio
Abbott Elementary

Other nominees include:

Nobody Wants This
Shrinking
What We Do in the Shadows

If you want new comedy, these shows are fun to watch and talk about.

Limited Series

Adolescence

Many people talk about “Adolescence.” This show is special in the limited series group at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The story pulls you in and keeps you watching. Critics and viewers say it is a masterpiece. You see real feelings and hard choices in each episode.

Here’s what people think about “Adolescence”:

Source	Rating/Score	Description
Rotten Tomatoes	99%	Over 100 critics gave it high marks and called it powerful.
Metacritic	91/100	Most reviews say it’s one of the best shows of the year.
Audience Reception	Masterpiece	Viewers and critics agree it’s a must-watch limited series.

The British government lets all secondary schools in the U.K. show “Adolescence.”
Teachers use it to help students talk about growing up and choices.

Tip: If you want a show that makes you think and feel, “Adolescence” is a great pick.

Other Nominees

You can choose from more shows in the limited series group. Each show tells a full story in just a few episodes. Here’s why this group is special:

Characteristic	Description
Format	Limited series have at least two episodes and run for 150 minutes or more.
Storytelling	You get a full story with no ongoing characters or storylines in new seasons.

Look at these other nominees:

Black Mirror: You see wild ideas about technology and the future.
Dying for Sex: The story is about friendship and big life changes.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: This show looks at a famous crime in a new way.
The Penguin: You get action and drama in a tough world.

Pick any of these shows if you want something new and different. Each one gives you a new story and a new way to see things.

Lead Actor

Live audience at the Creative Arts Emmys inside the Peacock Theater — Credit : TheEconomicTime

Drama

You probably want to know who stands out in the drama category this year. The Emmy Awards 2025 bring some big names and powerful performances. You see actors who make you feel every moment. Here’s a quick look at the top nominees:

Nominee	Show	Role
Gary Oldman	Slow Horses	Jackson Lamb
Pedro Pascal	The Last Of Us	Joel
Adam Scott	Severance	Mark Scout
Noah Wyle	The Pitt	Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch
Sterling K. Brown	Paradise	N/A

Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb with grit and humor. Pedro Pascal brings Joel to life in The Last Of Us, showing strength and heart. Adam Scott’s role in Severance makes you think about work and life. Noah Wyle gives Dr. Robinavitch real emotion in The Pitt. Sterling K. Brown adds depth to Paradise.

Comedy

You get a fresh mix of laughs and clever moments in the comedy group. These actors make you smile and sometimes even think. Check out the nominees:

Actor	Show	Role
Seth Rogen	The Studio	Matt Remick
Jason Segel	Shrinking	Jimmy
Martin Short	Only Murders In The Building	Oliver Putnam
Jeremy Allen White	The Bear	Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto

Seth Rogen brings energy to The Studio. Jason Segel makes Jimmy in Shrinking both funny and real. Martin Short’s Oliver Putnam keeps you guessing and laughing. Jeremy Allen White shows Carmy’s struggles in The Bear.

Limited Series

You see some of the most intense acting in limited series. These actors take on tough roles and make every episode count.

Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Stephen Graham, Adolescents
Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent
Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief
Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Each actor brings something special. You feel their stories and see their talent shine. Who do you think will win?

Lead Actress

Drama

This year, drama has many great performances. These actresses show strong feelings and real stories. Here are the top nominees:

Actress	Show	Role
Elisabeth Moss	Severance	Harmony Cobel
Bella Ramsey	The Last of Us	Ellie
Keri Russell	The Diplomat	Kate Wyler
Kathy Bates	Matlock	Madeline Matlock
Emma Corrin	The Pitt	Dr. Lucy Pitt

Elisabeth Moss makes every scene in Severance feel real. Bella Ramsey is brave and caring in The Last of Us. Keri Russell acts smart and true in The Diplomat. Kathy Bates is the oldest nominee this year. She shows that talent does not fade. Emma Corrin brings new life to The Pitt.

Tip: Watch these shows if you want to see strong acting and characters you will remember.

Comedy

The comedy nominees bring lots of laughs and smart jokes. These actresses know how to make you smile and think.

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building

Quinta Brunson leads Abbott Elementary with heart and humor. Hannah Einbinder keeps Hacks funny and new. Ayo Edebiri stands out in The Bear with great timing. Selena Gomez adds charm to Only Murders in the Building.

Note: Comedy can show real life in a fun way. These actresses make every scene special.

Limited Series

Limited series have some of the most touching performances. These actresses take on hard roles and make you care about their stories.

Actress	Show	Role
Jodie Comer	Adolescence	Mia
Lily James	Dying for Sex	Molly
Maya Hawke	Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story	Leslie Menendez
Ruth Wilson	Black Mirror	Dr. Harper

Jodie Comer is amazing in Adolescence. Lily James shows deep feelings in Dying for Sex. Maya Hawke makes Monsters stand out. Ruth Wilson gives Black Mirror a twist you will not forget.

If you want to see acting that makes you feel, start with these limited series nominees.

Supporting Roles

Drama

This year, supporting drama actors do amazing work. They make their characters feel real and important. Walton Goggins is great as Rick Hatchett in The White Lotus. His acting in “The Meaning of Dreams” gets lots of praise. Patricia Arquette does a strong job in Severance. Carrie Coon and Parker Posey help make The White Lotus dramatic. Zach Cherry and Tramell Tillman from Severance also get noticed for their acting.

Nominee	Show	Role/Note
Walton Goggins	The White Lotus	Rick Hatchett, “The Meaning of Dreams”
Patricia Arquette	Severance	Supporting Actress
Carrie Coon	The White Lotus	Supporting Actress
Zach Cherry	Severance	Supporting Actor
Tramell Tillman	Severance	Supporting Actor

Tip: Try watching these shows to see how supporting actors can be the best part.

Comedy

Supporting actors in comedies make us laugh and care. Liza Colón-Zayas is funny in The Bear. Hannah Einbinder brings jokes to Hacks. Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O’Hara make The Studio more fun. Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph are great in Abbott Elementary. Ike Barinholtz in The Studio and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in The Bear keep things exciting.

Actress/Nominee	Show
Liza Colón-Zayas	The Bear
Hannah Einbinder	Hacks
Kathryn Hahn	The Studio
Janelle James	Abbott Elementary
Ike Barinholtz	The Studio
Ebon Moss-Bachrach	The Bear

Note: Comedy supporting actors often say the funniest things and surprise us the most.

Limited Series

Supporting actors in limited series have big moments in short stories. Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco are both strong in Adolescence. Ruth Negga is memorable in Presumed Innocent. Javier Bardem and Bill Camp make Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story and Presumed Innocent exciting to watch.

Nominee	Show
Erin Doherty	Adolescence
Ruth Negga	Presumed Innocent
Javier Bardem	Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story
Bill Camp	Presumed Innocent
Christine Tremarco	Adolescence

These supporting actors make every episode better. Sometimes, they even do better than the main stars!

Surprises & Dark Horses

Unexpected Nominations

You may think you know who will get picked, but the Emmy Awards 2025 have some big surprises. Look at these moments that nobody saw coming:

The second season of Squid Game did not get any nominations. Last year, it won many awards, so fans are shocked.
Sam Rockwell got a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He was in only four episodes, but his acting was strong.
Jake Gyllenhaal got a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series. His show came out just last year, so this is not usual.
Many people thought Selena Gomez would get nominated for her role in a popular series. But only Martin Short got an acting nomination from that show.

Here is a look at a big change:

Squid Game did not get into the drama series category. This let Paradise get a nomination instead.

Sometimes, the Emmy Awards surprise everyone. Shows and actors you think will win might not even get picked!

Potential Upsets

No one can be sure who will win at the Emmys. Some nominees might surprise everyone. Bryan Cranston is one example. He is up for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Studio. Most people think someone else will win, but his special acting could change things. Merritt Wever in Severance is another underdog. She has won before when nobody thought she would. You might see her win again. These nominees show that anything can happen at the Emmy Awards. Watch for these possible surprises!

You saw so many standout nominees this year. Severance, The Studio, and The Penguin lead the way. New faces and surprise picks make the 2025 Emmy Awards special. You get fresh stories, bold performances, and a few shocks. Don’t miss the ceremony—it could be the most exciting one yet!