Quick Read
- ‘The Studio’ leads Creative Arts Emmys 2025 Night One with nine wins, setting records.
- ‘The Penguin’ secures eight awards, excelling in makeup and design categories.
- Merritt Wever and Bryan Cranston recognized for standout guest performances.
- Netflix’s ‘Arcane’ wins Outstanding Animated Program for the second year.
- The red carpet dazzled with appearances from top stars like Dave Franco.
The 2025 Creative Arts Emmys kicked off on September 6, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating the behind-the-scenes artistry and technical brilliance of prime-time television. The first night of the awards saw major wins for Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Penguin, setting the tone for what could be a record-breaking year for these productions.
‘The Studio’ Makes History in Comedy
Apple TV+’s breakout comedy series The Studio emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home nine awards, including Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Bryan Cranston. According to IndieWire, the show also won for contemporary costumes, production design, casting, music supervision, and picture editing. This marks a historic achievement, as the series broke the record for the most Creative Arts Emmys won by a comedy in a single night.
The series, co-created by and starring Seth Rogen, has already been a fan favorite. With its strong showing on Night One, it is now positioned as a frontrunner for major categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards later this month, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing. If it continues its winning streak, Rogen could potentially tie the record for most Emmy wins by an individual in a single year.
‘The Penguin’ Shines in Drama and Design
HBO’s crime drama The Penguin also had a stellar night, winning eight awards, including for contemporary makeup and prosthetic makeup. The show’s wins highlighted its technical mastery and artistic direction, which have been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, these victories have solidified The Penguin as a serious contender for more accolades in the main Emmy ceremony.
Other notable achievements included HBO’s House of the Dragon, which won for fantasy/sci-fi makeup, and Netflix’s Andor, which secured four awards, including production design and visual effects. These wins demonstrate the ongoing dominance of high-budget, visually compelling series in Emmy technical categories.
Standout Performances and Surprises
Among the individual performances recognized, Merritt Wever’s win for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Severance stood out. This marked her third Emmy in three different categories—comedy, drama, and limited series—an achievement few actors can claim. Shawn Hatosy also earned praise for his Outstanding Guest Actor win for HBO Max’s The Pitt, further fueling speculation about the show’s chances in the Outstanding Drama Series category.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s animated series Arcane continued its streak of success, winning Outstanding Animated Program for the second consecutive year. Julie Andrews was also honored for her voice-over work as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton, marking her first Emmy win after multiple nominations.
Red Carpet Glitz and Glamour
In addition to the awards, the red carpet event dazzled with appearances by stars like Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and Brittany Snow. As reported by Page Six, the night celebrated not only technical achievements but also the glamour and star power of the television industry. The fashion statements made by the attendees added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, making it a night to remember for fans and industry insiders alike.
As the Creative Arts Emmys continue over the weekend, all eyes are on the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14. With shows like The Studio, The Penguin, and Severance setting high standards, the competition for television’s highest honors has never been fiercer.