The 2025 Emmy Award nominations, unveiled on July 15 by Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song, brought an unprecedented wave of recognition across the entertainment industry. Seth Rogen’s AppleTV+ comedy series, The Studio, notably broke records by receiving 23 nominations, making it the most nominated new comedy show ever and setting a new standard for the Seth Rogen Emmy nominations record.
This groundbreaking achievement forms part of a wider celebration of diverse and historic nominations, highlighting trailblazing performers and shows poised to shape the future of television.
Historic Milestones Among 2025 Emmy Nominees
This year’s Emmy nominations celebrated several historic firsts and standout achievements. Bella Ramsey made history as the first openly non-binary performer to earn multiple nominations from the Television Academy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, continuing their acclaimed role in The Last of Us. Similarly, Ayo Edebiri set new records as the youngest Black woman to secure three acting nominations—two for The Bear and one in directing—becoming the first woman ever nominated in both acting and directing comedy categories in the same year.
In the limited series category, Owen Cooper became the youngest actor nominated for Best Supporting Actor at just 15 years old for his performance in Netflix’s Adolescence, breaking the previous record held by Scott Jacoby since 1972. Veteran actors also made their mark, as Harrison Ford received his first ever Emmy nomination at age 83 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for The Shrinking, while Kathy Bates became the oldest nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at 77, surpassing Angela Lansbury’s longstanding record.
The Studio’s Record-Breaking Emmy Nominations
While Severance topped the overall list with 27 nominations, The Studio emerged as a powerhouse in comedy, securing 23 nominations in its debut season. This milestone establishes the show as the most nominated new comedy series ever, emphasizing its influence and acclaim in the industry.
The creative team behind The Studio, including Seth Rogen and producer Evan Goldberg, expressed their disbelief and excitement at the achievement. In a joint statement to E! News, they said:
“We never thought this would happen. What do we even say? Uh… thanks to our parents, our agents, our publicists, our preschool teachers, our managers, The Television Academy, our assistants, and Apple? Or do you only say that stuff if you win? Oh no! We’re already blowing it. Um… no comment!”
—Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, Co-creators, The Studio
Standout Reactions from Key Nominees
Numerous stars shared their gratitude and reflections on their Emmy nods, highlighting the passion fueling their work.
Jake Gyllenhaal, nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for Presumed Innocent, thanked the Television Academy and praised his co-stars and crew. He added a warm shoutout to family, saying:
“Thank you to the Television Academy for this recognition. Also huge appreciation to the entire brilliant cast of Presumed Innocent, the expertise our incredible crew brought to work every day and to AppleTV+ for your support. A special congratulations to my brother-in-law, Peter Sarsgaard, who was also nominated and ain’t half bad in the show either.”
—Jake Gyllenhaal, Actor
Catherine O’Hara, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress for The Studio, expressed her excitement and respect for the show’s creators and legendary directors involved, stating:
“I am thrilled for all the lovely people on the show, and honored to be in their company. And I’m so happy Ron Howard and Martin Scorsese are finally getting some much deserved attention thanks to The Studio!”
—Catherine O’Hara, Actress
Jason Isaacs, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for The White Lotus, shared his emotional journey playing his character Timothy Ratliff and the honor of being recognized by his peers:
“This is a bunch of cherries on the icing on the cake that was the gift of playing such a tortured and lonely human for the brilliant Mike White. I went on a journey that started in pure selfishness and ended in humility and bliss. I might have just done the same with today’s nomination—to be chosen by my peers to be listed alongside actors I admire so much feels surreal.”
—Jason Isaacs, Actor
The Studio Cast and Crew Celebrate the Success
Alongside Rogen and Goldberg, many cast members of The Studio voiced their appreciation for the Emmy nods. Dave Franco, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, humorously acknowledged his role’s nature, saying:
“Thank you so much to the Television Academy, Point Grey, and everyone at Apple. It feels strangely fitting that my first nomination is for playing myself while inebriated on alcohol, weed, cocaine, and mushrooms.”
—Dave Franco, Actor
Kathryn Hahn, also up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, expressed delight and gratitude for the opportunity to work on The Studio, acknowledging her fellow cast and creative team:
“I am beyond tickled to be nominated for this role in The Studio, with these humans. Seth and Evan, thank you for seeing me for the soulless art-killer that I’ve always been. And thank you to the hair and makeup and wardrobe and nails of Maya Mason for doing half the work for me.”
This has been a total joy and I’m so proud to be one of the gazillion recognitions. The company I’m in, in this show and in this category, are my heroes.
I must shout out my beautiful coven on Agatha All Along—so proud of our work, I’m currently in Dublin raising a 2nd pint and literally looking at a rainbow. Wow thank you!!!!!!!!
—Kathryn Hahn, Actress
Celebrated Veterans and Fresh Faces Join the Emmy Spotlight
Kathy Bates, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Matlock, expressed deep gratitude toward CBS leadership and the show‘s team for supporting her role. She paid special thanks to showrunner Jennie Snyder, emphasizing the significance of the nomination:
“I am deeply grateful to the Television Academy for this honor. My heartfelt thanks to CBS—to George, Amy, and David—for believing in us every step of the way on this beautiful journey and for being such delightful people to work with. Every day on set is a gift thanks to the dedication, talent, and friendship of our incredible cast and crew. Darling Jennie—thank you for seeing those of us who feel unseen, for not abandoning me, and for trusting me with Matty’s complex story. This nomination really belongs to you…what a joy it has been for all of us to pour our hearts into bringing your Matlock to life.”
—Kathy Bates, Actress
Other celebrated nominees included Britt Lower, who received her first Emmy nod for her role in Severance and shared a heartfelt thank you via Instagram. Alan Cumming, nominated for Outstanding Host for The Traitors, expressed enthusiasm for his return nomination and the joyful work involved, especially in his native Scotland:
“I’m so happy to be nominated again to prove it wasn’t a fluke last year! But also because I genuinely feel the show is getting better and it’s so great to be honored in this way for something I so love doing and with a bunch of people who work so hard and really care about the quality of their work. And I get to swan around in crazy outfits in my beloved Scotland. What could be better?”
—Alan Cumming, Host
John Turturro, nominated for his role in Severance, reflected warmly on the collective success and the show’s leadership:
“I am honored to be invited to the party, especially because my castmates Britt, Zach, Tramell, Patricia and Adam were acknowledged along with our show’s fearless leaders, Ben and Dan.”
—John Turturro, Actor
Julianne Nicholson, who earned dual nominations for her work in Paradise and Hacks, expressed excitement about playing contrasting characters and congratulated fellow nominees:
“I am truly honored to be nominated for both of these wonderful shows. The chance to play such polar opposite characters was a total thrill. Congratulations to all the nominees this morning and especially my castmates on Paradise and Hacks.”
—Julianne Nicholson, Actress
Rising and Established Stars Share Their Joy
Bowen Yang from Saturday Night Live celebrated his nomination with lighthearted gratitude, first congratulating a fellow nominee before acknowledging his own achievement:
“EMMY NOMINEE JEFF HILLER THANK GOD.”
Thank you to the continent of Asia,
he added humorously. You’re welcome Asians.
—Bowen Yang, Actor and Comedian
Liza Colón-Zayas, nominated for her role in The Bear, expressed her joy on Instagram following her second nomination, coinciding with her birthday:
“I am beside myself. Thank you to everyone who supported me, again. And to the Academy.”
This is the best birthday ever!
—Liza Colón-Zayas, Actress
Martin Scorsese, now an Emmy nominee for The Studio, received praise from his daughter Francesca Scorsese, who shared a celebratory photo on social media and affectionately called him “Our little actor.” This marked a rare recognition for the iconic director and added a special milestone to the show’s success.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Emmy Awards Ceremony
The excitement continues to build as viewers await the 2025 Emmy Awards ceremony, scheduled for September 15 on CBS. The nominations highlight a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, with The Studio’s historic 23 nods elevating Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s comedy to new heights. This record-breaking achievement not only shines a spotlight on the show but also marks an important moment in the evolution of television comedy, setting a hopeful and ambitious tone for industry peers and audiences alike.
As the Emmy race unfolds, anticipation grows around which nominees will take home the coveted awards, and how this year’s diverse and passionate group of honorees will continue to influence the future of entertainment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Seth Rogen unfriend James Franco?
A. Rogen has chosen not to comment on his current relationship with Franco. In the past, he supported Franco despite sexual misconduct claims from the 2010s. These claims involved alleged relationships with former acting students. Franco has denied any wrongdoing related to these accusations.
