As anticipation builds for the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards next week, most of this year’s Emmy statuettes have already found their new homes. The Creative Arts Emmys took center stage over the weekend, presenting nearly 100 awards across two nights at the Peacock Theater in L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles.
An edited broadcast of the weekend celebration will air on Saturday, September 13 at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT on FXX, with streaming available on Hulu until October 7.
Saturday’s Key Winners
The first night shined a spotlight on powerhouse performances and fan-favorite shows. Among the big names honored were:
- Bryan Cranston for The Studio
- Julianne Nicholson for Hacks
- Shawn Hatosy for The Pitt
- Merritt Wever for Severance
- Julie Andrews for Bridgerton
Major series also dominated, with The Penguin, The Boys, and the animated hit Arcane earning recognition.
Sunday’s Standouts
The second ceremony celebrated both Hollywood legends and beloved personalities. Notable Emmy wins went to:
- Former President Barack Obama for narration in Our Oceans
- Alan Cumming (The Traitors)
- Jimmy Kimmel (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire)
- Queer Eye and Saturday Night Live
- The heartfelt documentary Pee-wee as Himself
Reality and competition titles including Love on the Spectrum and The Traitors also walked away with major honors.
Notable Award Categories and Winners
Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about awards from Sunday’s (Sept. 7) ceremony:
- Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program – Love on the Spectrum
- Outstanding Choreography (Variety/Reality) – The 67th Annual Grammy Awards (Doechii performance)
- Outstanding Reality Program Cinematography – The Traitors
- Outstanding Commercial – “Brian Cox Goes to College” (Uber One for Students)
- Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program – Pee-wee as Himself
- Outstanding Documentary/Nonfiction Series – 100 Foot Wave
- Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special – Conan O’Brien Must Go
- Outstanding Narrator – Barack Obama (Our Oceans, “Indian Ocean”)
- Outstanding Game Show – Jeopardy!
- Outstanding Host for a Game Show – Jimmy Kimmel (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire)
- Outstanding Host for a Reality Competition Program – Alan Cumming (The Traitors)
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series – The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special – SNL50: The Anniversary Special
- Outstanding Music Direction – Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar
- Outstanding Picture Editing — Nonfiction Program – Pee-wee as Himself
- Outstanding Picture Editing — Structured Reality or Competition Program – The Traitors
- Outstanding Picture Editing — Unstructured Reality Program – Welcome to Wrexham – “Down to the Wire”
- Outstanding Picture Editing — Variety Programming – Cunk on Life
- Outstanding Picture Editing — Variety Programming (Segment) – SNL50: The Anniversary Special – “Physical Comedy (Segment)”
- Outstanding Production Design — Variety Special – The Oscars
- Outstanding Production Design — Variety or Reality Series – Saturday Night Live – “Host: Lady Gaga”
- Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series – The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains
- Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series – Adolescence: The Making of Adolescence
- Outstanding Sound Editing — Nonfiction or Reality Program – Music by John Williams
- Outstanding Sound Mixing — Nonfiction Program – Beatles ‘64
- Outstanding Sound Mixing — Reality Program – Welcome to Wrexham – “Down to the Wire”
- Outstanding Sound Mixing — Variety Series or Special – SNL50: The Anniversary Special
- Outstanding Structured Reality Program – Queer Eye
Additional wins included categories for hairstyling, makeup, lighting design, emerging media, and choreography, marking an impressive year of recognition across both creative and technical fields.
Why the Creative Arts Emmys Matter
While the Primetime Emmys often attract the most attention, the Creative Arts Emmys are where much of the television industry’s artistry is celebrated. From behind-the-scenes talent to innovative storytelling, these awards highlight the incredible range of contributions that make television groundbreaking.
This year’s winners reflect the growing influence of reality programming, documentary storytelling, and live events, while still honoring scripted excellence.
Looking Ahead
With the Creative Arts trophies now awarded, all eyes turn to the 2025 Primetime Emmys next week, where more high-profile categories will be revealed. The momentum from this weekend makes it clear: whether through scripted drama, live specials, or groundbreaking unscripted series, television in 2025 is thriving across every format.
