The 2025 Emmy Awards will be more than a night of trophies. It is shaping up as a spectacle filled with history-making bids, surprise snubs, and plenty of red-carpet intrigue. From Bella Ramsey’s chance to break barriers to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s head-to-head showdown, the stories offstage are nearly as compelling as the results themselves.
Some of the industry’s biggest names are chasing milestones. Michelle Williams could lock down a rare “double Emmy,” Meryl Streep is expected to show support despite being sidelined by a rule change, and Stephen Graham is pushing toward bona fide Hollywood superstar status. Each represents a different kind of endurance, ambition, or reinvention that the Emmys tend to spotlight.
Of course, the night also belongs to the unexpected: will Sharon Hogan use the moment to make a red-carpet debut with Barry Ward, or will Pedro Pascal once again steal the style conversation? Even rumored relationships and family appearances are in play, adding to the layered drama. The 2025 Emmys promise to be as much about who shows up and how as who goes home with statues.
Lynn Carratt, PR and entertainment expert at E20 Communications, weighs in on the biggest Emmy storylines heading into awards week.
Key Takeaways
📺 Bella Ramsey could make Emmy history as the first non-binary actor to win, while speculation swirls about a red-carpet debut with Maisy Stella
🌟 Michelle Williams is chasing a rare “double Emmy,” which would cement her as one of the most powerful dramatic talents on television
🎭 Seth Rogan’s"The Studio" is the most-nominated debut comedy ever but faces doubts over whether the acclaim matches the content
🎬 The Emmys are set for a British surge, with names like Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters redefining UK-to-Hollywood crossover
👑 Beyoncé and Jay-Z headline the red-carpet buzz with a family appearance likely, setting up another chapter in their award-show rivalry
2025 Emmy Awards: Notable Favorites
Here's a list of the favorites based on the latest Emmy Awards odds:
Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (-750), Hacks (+750)
Outstanding Drama Series: Severance (-250), The Pitt (+210)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogan, The Studio (-700); Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building (+650)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, Hacks (-900)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle, The Pitt (-370); Adam Scott, Severance (+430)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates, Matlock (-280); Britt Lower, Severance (+240)
(Odds courtesy FanDuel Canada as of Monday, Sept. 8)
Here's Carratt's breakdown (in her own words) of some of the biggest Emmy storylines going into awards week:
Bella Ramsey: Is a grand gesture coming?
Ramsey is set to make history at the Emmys this week. They are the first-ever non/binary actor to be nominated for more than one Emmy award. If they win, they will be the first-ever non-binary actor to win an Emmy, even though those nominations were in the Lead Actress in a Drama Lead Series category. They chose to stay in that category as a way to ensure their work could be celebrated despite the limitations of gendered awards categories.
Meanwhile, rumors have been swirling for over a year that Bella is dating actress and singer Maisy Stella – and while it’s not official, there have been only affectionate social media posts and media speculation. It is a historic night for Bella, they’ll likely want to share the night with those closest to them, and it could be the perfect time for Bella to hard launch the relationship with Maisy, and for them to make their red carpet debut for Hollywood to see.
Michelle Williams on the verge of history
Williams will likely be determined to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her portrayal of Molly Kochan in Dying for Sex. It would see her becoming just the 15th actress ever to achieve a “double Emmy” (i.e., two wins in the same lead-acting category over the years); she could also do the double on the night as well and win the nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series as an executive producer.
From a PR point of view, it would solidify her reputation as one of the most powerful dramatic talents on TV today, not only onscreen but behind the camera as well.
It would also help boost her stature to attract more multifaceted movie roles (where she can work in front of and behind the camera) so that she stands a chance of winning that elusive Oscar. She has already had five nominations but has yet to win a coveted statue.
Michelle has already used her status to make powerful statements, including her 2019 Emmy speech championing equal pay. Another win would only help strengthen her influence in championing women in Hollywood. It would further cement her career as one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses and producers who endures a commitment to telling real-life stories both on screen and off, all while being a mum away from the screen and raising four children.
Seth Rogan's "Studio" set to disappoint?
'Studio' has notched a staggering 23 Emmy nominations, making Emmy history as the most-nominated debut comedy.
Its sheer number of nominations was a surprise, given its low profile in the UK. Many critics in the U.S. have praised the show for its humor, direction, and satire of Hollywood. But many of the show's guest stars were recognized for playing themselves, and it has leaned heavily on its cameo prestige and industry backing.
While the show has had strong promotional support from Apple and Lionsgate, it has fallen short with UK audiences. It hasn’t translated into the Brits' consciousness, unlike the global Netflix hit, Adolescence, which only scored 13 nominations. I’m sure The Studio is a well-written show with significant backing, but I’m not sure it deserves all the accolades.
Expect Meryl Streep to be there despite rule-fuelled snub
While Meryl Streep was affected by the Emmy rule change that any performer who has previously been nominated in a Lead or Supporting acting category for the same character in the same series can no longer submit for Guest Performer, meaning Meryl couldn’t be nominated for her role as Loretta Durkin in Only Murders in the Building.
But unlike Alexis Bledel, who was also affected by the rule change, I firmly believe Meryl will still attend the ceremony.
The show is up for the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy, her close friend and co-star Martin Short is also up for Lead Actor in an Outstanding Comedy. I believe she will want to be there to support the cast and crew of the show and her friend Martin. She is also a veteran of Hollywood and the epitome of professionalism – and also shows that at awards ceremonies.
Emmys preparing for a Brit invasion
The UK is set to invade Hollywood this week, with Aimee Lou Wood, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters and Owen Cooper all nominated for their first Emmy awards.
I believe it is an exciting time for the British acting industry, with these nominations putting the UK acting scene on a par with some of the best in the world – and thanks to international streaming services, that talent is getting the recognition it deserves. It also reinforces how interconnected and internationally collaborative the TV industry is today, and gives Brits a real chance of breaking into Hollywood.
Stephen Graham approaching "Hollywood powerhouse" status
Many regard Graham as one of the finest British actors of his generation and while he has achieved award-winning success in the UK, this has never transpired into Hollywood success.
Yes, he has appeared in some Hollywood movies, but has never been in Oscar contention. Stephen’s Emmy nomination is a breakthrough moment in his career, not just for acting but for his creative contributions behind the camera which included co-creating and co-writing Adolescence, and the show achieved 165 million downloads and 13 Emmy nominations.
It’s now quickly turning Stephen into a Hollywood powerhouse and he will only go on to achieve more.
Ashley Walters makes a stunning turn – with or without an Emmy
Just over 20 years ago, Walters was leaving prison after spending 16 months behind bars for carrying a loaded gun. But this Sunday he’ll be walking the red carpet at the Emmys as a nominee. He’d had taste of fame prior to this as part of garage collective So Solid Crew, who achieved No. 1 UK hit “21 Seconds” in 2001. But it was his time in prison that really made him think and he decided it was his time to pivot and change his life.
He’s been vocal about growing up on a council estate and the ups and downs that came with that, but as soon as he started gaining acting roles in the likes of Bullet Boy and Top Boy, there was no stopping him.
Ashley’s journey has been down to his sheer resilience and his talent, and he is an inspiration to youths across the UK. He is now set to become a Hollywood mainstay. Win or lose, he has cemented his evolution from a council estate kid to a respected, award-nominated actor and soon-to-be director. He is branching out to his debut directorial feature, Animol, this year.
Sharon Hogan, Barry Ward eyeing a red-carpet reveal?
Sharon Hogan is experiencing a life high at the moment; her series Bad Sisters that she co-created has been nominated for four Emmy awards, two of which she is nominated for personally (Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Writing for a Drama).
And while it has just been announced that Bad Sisters has been axed by Apple TV (and while the cancellation of a show is never ideal), it seems like it was done by mutual consent and collaboration, allowing the show to end on a high.
And, Sharon herself is moving on to bigger things. She has secured a big first-look deal with HBO, giving the network priority on any new projects she develops – and she has recently gone public with her new love Barry Ward, her Bad Sisters co-star. They’re likely to make their red carpet debut at the Emmys.
Sharon’s Emmy nomination has cemented her credibility as a top Hollywood writer, actress and producer who is poised for even bigger opportunities in TV and film."
Pedro Pascal will turn heads (as usual)
Pedro will be a stand out on the red carpet at the 77th Emmy Awards and will likely be the best-dressed male.
We can expect him to wear a tailored, unconventional outfit from a high-end designer like Celine, Tom Ford, or Saint Laurent. He will likely attend with his sister Lux Pascal or close pal Sarah Paulson; he likely will also use the red carpet to subtly advocate a cause through a fashion statement or accessory.
One thing for sure, he is a showman and he will interact with photographers, journalists and fans alike, making him even more popular.
Will Meghan attend the Emmys? It could happen
While her show, With Love, Meghan, wasn’t nominated (many believe the show is a flop), Meghan could still attend the Emmys.
She hasn’t previously attended and turned down an invite in 2018 to focus on royal life.
It is likely she is annoyed that none of her recent work with Netflix has ever been nominated, but now Meghan and Harry have extended their deal with Netflix, she needs to be seen at Hollywood events to build back up her star power and make an impression.
Look for Aimee Lou Wood, Walter Goggins to scuttle "feud" rumors
After going Instagram official with her boyfriend, Adam Long, in July, Aimee Lou Wood will likely make her red carpet debut with him at the Emmys. It will be a huge night in her career, and she’ll want to share it with him.
She also may use the ceremony to show there is no feud with her White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins, who is also up for an award (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series). They avoided each other on the Met Gala red carpet in May, with Aimee attending with close friend and White Lotus co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger. But Walton and Aimee spoke out in June, saying there was no feud and the Emmy awards would be a good time to put the rumors to bed and put on a united front.
Beyonce, Jay-Z set for an Emmys showdown
America's red-carpet royalty are set to go head-to-head at the Emmys this week in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category. Beyoncé earned her nod for her NFL Halftime Show, dubbed “Beyoncé Bowl,” during the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day game on Netflix; Jay-Z secured his spot in the same category for his role as an executive producer for Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February.
But it's not the first time the couple has gone head-to-head. They’ve done it six times before at the Grammys, so it isn’t new territory for them. Beyoncé hasn’t appeared at the Emmys and is selective over which awards ceremonies she attends (she skipped last weekend's VMAs); she favours the Grammys for her strong history with it. But with the couple both nominated in 2025, it's likely they’ll attend.
They often appear as a family at significant events. The Emmys is likely to be deemed by them as significant enough to appear on the red carpet as a family, although son Sir likes to stay out of the spotlight, so it could be Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rumi, and Blue Ivy. But it will be a quick dash back to LA for the couple, who are set to appear in Atlantic City at the Reform Alliance Casino Night & Gala on Saturday night.
No Timothee or Kylie – but no problem
While Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner have addressed split rumours, they are unlikely to attend the Emmys this weekend as neither are directly connected to the awards this year. Timothée is known to prioritise award shows tied to his projects, and the Emmys, being TV-focused, doesn’t align with his recent work.
Also, the Kardashians are not regulars on the Emmys red carpet and have only previously attended to present awards. Kylie has never participated and previously pulled out of presenting an award in 2019 due to illness.
Don’t expect a red-carpet moment from Styles and Kravitz
The couple of the moment is Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles, and while it has been suggested that their relationship is a friends-with-benefits type of relationship, it looks to be getting more serious by the day. Zoë is nominated for an Emmy for her role in Apple TV's The Studio.
The Emmys would be a high-profile opportunity for Zoë and Harry to confirm their relationship publicly, especially given the attention on their romance. Unfortunately, the couple are both pretty low-key. Zoë has a history of attending award shows solo or with her co-stars. Even when she was engaged to Channing Tatum, the couple had few red carpet appearances together.
Harry is precisely the same; he is known for his private nature and rarely makes red-carpet appearances with his girlfriends, as seen during his relationship with Olivia Wilde. Harry and Olivia attended red carpet events to promote their film Don’t Worry Darling, but never stood together.
This isn’t to say, though, that Harry won’t attend the Emmys; he may meet Zoë inside the ceremony or at the afterparty.
