The nominations for the 2025 Emmy Awards were officially unveiled on Tuesday, July 15, and while many fan-favorite shows received well-deserved recognition, the list also came with unexpected surprises and disappointing snubs that have sparked conversations across the entertainment industry.
Top Contenders: The White Lotus and Severance Lead the Pack
As anticipated, The White Lotus and Severance secured leading positions with multiple nominations across major categories. Both series have been critically acclaimed and were expected to dominate this awards season — and they did not disappoint.
Other standout contenders include The Studio, The Pitt, and Nobody Wants This — all of which are new entries and managed to break through the noise to earn recognition.
Breakout Stars and First-Time Nominees
One of the most talked-about surprises this year is Meghann Fahy, who received her first-ever Lead Actress nomination for her role in Sirens. Her performance has been steadily gaining attention, and now the Emmy nod solidifies her place among TV’s top talents.
Colman Domingo, known for his versatility, was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for The Four Seasons, while Uzo Aduba received a nomination in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category for The Residence — proving once again that the Emmy voters recognize fresh, nuanced performances.
Women in Comedy Shine Bright
Several women in comedy had a standout year. Sharon Horgan was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Bad Sisters, and Robby Hoffman received a nod as Outstanding Guest Actress for her appearance in Hacks.
Comedy veteran Ron Howard also made the list, earning a nomination as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Studio.
Paradise and Other Drama Surprises
In a surprise twist, Paradise — a new drama series — was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series in its very first season. It’s a significant accomplishment for a show with relatively little promotional push compared to other heavy-hitters.
This marks a changing tide in how the Academy is recognizing innovation and storytelling beyond traditional powerhouses.
Major Snubs That Shocked Fans and Critics Alike
No awards season is complete without controversy, and this year’s Emmy nominations delivered several surprising omissions:
- Selena Gomez and Steve Martin were both left out for Only Murders in the Building, despite consistent critical and audience praise.
- 1923, a prequel to Yellowstone, didn’t receive a single nomination — a major shock considering its strong performances and production quality.
- Fan-favorite series like House of the Dragon and Squid Game also missed out entirely, signaling a shift in the Academy’s tastes or perhaps simply a crowded competition year.
Iconic Performers Overlooked
Several acclaimed actors were left off this year’s list, including:
- Elisabeth Moss, who didn’t receive a nomination for the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale
- Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford for 1923
- Natasha Lyonne for her acclaimed role in Poker Face
Even Emmy staple Allison Janney didn’t secure a nod for her work in The Diplomat, and Patrick Schwarzenegger was excluded from recognition for The White Lotus.
In Hacks, despite nods for Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, their co-stars Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs were noticeably left out.
SNL’s Mixed Bag: Partial Recognition, Missing Guest Stars
Saturday Night Live (SNL) continued its streak with Bowen Yang earning a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, but regulars like Kenan Thompson and Heidi Gardner were shut out. More surprisingly, the show received no guest star nominations, a category it usually dominates.
A Look Back at 2024’s Emmy Highlights
While all eyes are on this year’s contenders, it’s worth remembering last year’s big winners:
- Shōgun took home a staggering 25 nominations and won Outstanding Drama Series, with lead actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai both clinching wins in their categories.
- The Bear ruled the comedy realm, with Jeremy Allen White, Liza Colón-Zayas, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jon Bernthal all receiving honors.
- Jean Smart earned her third Emmy for Hacks, which also won Outstanding Comedy Series.
What These Nominations Reveal About the 2025 Emmy Landscape
This year’s Emmy nominations reflect a mix of bold choices and safe bets. While many of the usual power players found their place on the ballot, the emergence of new titles and overlooked veterans paints a picture of an industry in transition.
Fresh storytelling is being rewarded, and audiences are beginning to see a broader range of perspectives represented on TV’s biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Emmy Awards are shaping up to be unpredictable — and perhaps more inclusive — than ever. From first-time nominees to surprising omissions, this year’s list is proof that television continues to evolve, and so do the tastes of those who honor it.
As the countdown to the ceremony begins, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see who takes home the gold — and who might be left clapping from the sidelines.