At the 77th Emmy Awards held on September 14, Seth Rogen earned a significant win as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Apple TV+’s The Studio. However, his acceptance speech became a talking point when he unexpectedly omitted a thanks to Sal Saperstein, a character beloved by fans. This Seth Rogen Emmy Lead Actor Win sparked lively discussion among viewers and highlighted one of the evening’s memorable moments.
Seth Rogen Triumphs as Lead in Comedy Series ‘The Studio’
The Studio, an Apple TV+ comedy co-created by and starring Seth Rogen, has been gaining critical praise, and its performance at the Emmys reflected that momentum. Rogen’s portrayal of Matt Remick, the newly promoted head of Continental Studios within the show, earned him the award in the first category announced that night. While visibly surprised by the win, Rogen expressed heartfelt gratitude to many, including his wife, mother, the show’s crew, agents, managers, writers, and guest stars.
Thank you! Wow, this is amazing. I so could not wrap my head around this happening that I literally prepared nothing,
Rogen said during his speech.
I’ve never won anything in my life. When I was a kid, I bought a used bowling trophy and an estate sale, and my parents were like, ‘Yeah, that’s a good idea…’ Thank you to my wife, my mother, everyone who works on the show, my agents, my managers, the writers, everyone who guests start on the show. Thank you so much. This is really just so lovely. I don’t know, I don’t know what to say! This is so nice. Thank you. I appreciate you all. Have a good one.
Despite the warmth of his remarks, fans noticed the glaring absence of a thank you for Sal Saperstein. This omission drew strong reactions since Sal Saperstein, played by Ike Barinholtz, carries an inside joke deeply loved by The Studio’s community.
The Missed Sal Saperstein Thank You and Its Deeper Context
Sal Saperstein, a character portrayed by Ike Barinholtz, is a recurring comedic element within The Studio. The inside joke about thanking Sal gained traction in Season 1, Episode 8, titled The Golden Globes, which featured numerous guest appearances from Hollywood stars like Ted Sarandos, Zoe Kravitz, Quinta Brunson, and Adam Scott.
In the episode, Adam Scott’s character delivers an acceptance speech during which he thanks Sal Saperstein for the help he provided in Scott’s early career, notably letting him crash on his couch. The gag continued as other characters, including Quinta Brunson and Jean Smart, also thanked Sal throughout the episode, much to the fictional displeasure of Matt Remick (Rogen’s character).
Viewers had hoped that Seth Rogen would carry this running joke into his real-life Emmy acceptance speech, delighting fans with a meta moment. Unfortunately, Rogen was caught off guard and the reference was not made, leading to disappointment.
“I was hoping that Seth Rogan would start the bit from the show and thank Sal Saperstein. A missed opportunity for a great inside joke,”
tweeted Sam Broecker on September 15, 2025.
Many fans expressed surprise and frustration over the missed chance to blend the show’s humor with the award moment, highlighting how fondly the character Sal Saperstein is regarded among The Studio’s fans.
The Studio’s Strong Presence at the 77th Emmys
Beyond Rogen’s win, The Studio had a remarkable night with 23 nominations and 10 wins overall, underscoring the show’s success and recognition within the industry. Its blend of sharp satire and star-studded cameos, coupled with strong performances, has cemented its place as a standout comedy of 2025.
The show’s compelling episodes, such as the one centered on the Golden Globes, showcased its creative approach to Hollywood satire, drawing attention from both viewers and critics alike. The continued recognition indicates a strong likelihood of further accolades and interest as future award seasons arrive.
Additional Highlights from the 2025 Emmy Awards
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, broadcast on CBS and streamed via Paramount+, offered several memorable moments beyond Seth Rogen’s win. Nate Bargatze, the event’s host, added a unique twist by urging Hollywood stars to keep their acceptance speeches brief through a playful charity challenge. Furthermore, historic victories unfolded, such as Tramell Tillman becoming the first Black actor to win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
With a full slate of winners and nominees discussed across multiple media outlets, the event remains a significant platform for recognizing excellence in television. Fans of The Studio and other programs will be watching to see how next year’s awards continue to evolve.
What Seth Rogen’s Win Means for the Future
Seth Rogen’s Emmy for lead actor not only celebrates his individual achievement but also shines a light on The Studio’s larger impact in television comedy. While the missed thank you to Sal Saperstein disappointed some, it also amplified the show’s cultural footprint by creating a memorable talking point within its fan community.
As The Studio moves forward, the excitement around its ratings and awards momentum suggests that it will continue to be a major player in future Emmy races. With ongoing support from fans and critical acclaim, the series and its cast appear poised to build on this success in the coming years.
