Industry

On Sunday night September 14, during a primetime broadcast that mixed entertainment with glamour, the U.S. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences handed out its prestigious statuettes at the 77th Emmy Awards, aired live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The ceremony was hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, who brought his signature understated humor to the stage.

While many of the winners matched industry expectations, what truly stood out was the Academy’s innovative twist on acceptance speeches. To keep the traditional thank-you lists from dragging on, a new rule was introduced: for any speech exceeding 45 seconds, money would be deducted from a charity donation pool, while shorter speeches earned additional contributions. The result was a lively mix of heartfelt yet brisk acknowledgments, with nominees visibly timing themselves at the podium.

The night celebrated excellence across 26 competitive categories, with additional honors including the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, presented to beloved acting couple Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen for their decades-long philanthropic work.

Highlights from the winners’ circle:

Best Drama Series: The Pitt

Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower, Severance

Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle, The Pitt

Best Comedy Series: The Studio

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, Hacks

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, The Studio

Best Limited Series: Adolescence

Lead Actor in a Limited Series: Stephen Graham, Adolescence

Lead Actress in a Limited Series: Cristin Milioti, The Penguin

Best Talk Show: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Beyond the winners and speeches, the telecast was praised for striking a balance between tradition and fresh experimentation, reaffirming the Emmys’ role as both a celebration of television artistry and a platform for social engagement.