The Creative Arts Emmy Awards showcased significant wins for both The Studio and The Penguin, highlighting the continued success of genre television. English actor Julie Andrews captured her third Emmy Award at the age of 89 for her voiceover performance in Netflix’s acclaimed series Bridgerton. This marks her first Emmy win since 2005, adding to her illustrious career.
Recognized as 2025’s top-nominated comedy series, The Studio secured nine awards, including five wins in major categories such as costumes, casting, and production design. A notable moment during the show was the recurring phrase, “Thank you, Sal Saperstein,” which was humorously echoed by many winners, referencing a character portrayed by Ike Barinholtz.
Dominance of Genre Series
The evening also celebrated The Penguin, an HBO limited series that emerged as the top contender, winning eight awards. This ceremony saw genre shows take center stage, with Disney+’s Andor also winning four awards. The Creative Arts Emmys, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, serve as a precursor to the main Primetime Emmy Awards, set to air live on CBS on September 14, 2025.
Presenter Maya Rudolph emphasized the importance of the Creative Arts Emmys, stating, “This is the real Emmys… cause nothing would get made.” This sentiment highlights the critical role that technical categories play in the television industry.
Notable Performances and Winners
In the guest acting categories, Julianne Nicholson won her first Emmy for best guest actress in a comedy for her role as “Dance Mom” on HBO Max’s Hacks. She triumphed over Oscar winners including Jamie Lee Curtis and Olivia Colman. Meanwhile, Bryan Cranston received his seventh Emmy award for his performance in The Studio, further adding to his accolades from his previous role in Breaking Bad.
Merritt Wever took home the award for best guest actress in a drama for her role in Severance. Notably, Andrews, Cranston, and Wever were not present at the ceremony, which is common for the Creative Arts Awards. Presenters such as Rudolph, Curtis, and Ron Howard did not win in their respective categories.
As the awards season continues, attention will shift to the reality and variety television categories, with high-profile nominees such as Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé vying for recognition for their halftime performances. Additionally, Barack Obama competes for his second Emmy in the narration category against notable figures like Tom Hanks and Idris Elba.
The Creative Arts Emmys not only celebrate outstanding achievements in television but also set the stage for the highly anticipated Primetime Emmy Awards. With the spotlight on industry icons and rising stars, this year’s awards season promises to be both memorable and impactful.
