Four LGBTQI+ performers won big at last night’s Primetime Emmy Awards, while the RuGirls dominated the red carpet…
The 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards was filled with LGBTQI+ wins, support, activism and fashion. The big winners included The Studio, Severance, Adolescence, Hacks and The Pitt. The White Lotus fans were likely screaming “Parker noooo!” as the show was shut out in the acting categories. Its only win, out of 23 nominations, was during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.
Four of the acting statues went to LGBTQI+ performers. The Traitors dominance in the reality category has confirmed the end of RuPaul’s reign. In fact, Mama Ru didn’t even show up to the ceremony – though she did just DJ in Montreal the night before.
So, let’s dive into some of the best LGBTQI+ moments from last night’s show.
Who were the LGBTQI+ winners at the 2025 Emmy Awards?
The first queer winner was Tramell Tillman for his portrayal of Seth Milchick on the Apple TV+ hit series Severance. It was the actor’s first nomination ever and his win made Emmy history as he became the first Black man to win in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He dedicated the award to his mother.
The fourth time was a charm for Hannah Einbinder who finally won for her portrayal as Ava Daniels on Hacks. Winning the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, her speech has gone viral as the performer ended with “Go Birds, Fuck ICE and Free Palestine.” Einbinder also confirmed last night that season five would be Hacks last.
One of the biggest surprises was Jeff Hiller’s win for Somebody, Somewhere for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. When Hiller’s name was announced, fellow nominees Bowen Yang (SNL) and Michael Urie (Shrinking) couldn’t contain their excitement with Yang jumping out of his seat. “I feel like I’m going to cry because for the past 25 years I’ve been like ‘world I want to be an actor,” and the world’s like ‘maybe computers,’” Hiller said in their speech.
Adolescence dominated the Limited or Anthology Series category winning Outstanding Supporting Actor, Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. It also won Outstanding Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty’s portrayal of psychologist Briony Ariston. The actress kissed her girlfriend before accepting the award from Hunter Schafer.
While the queen’s of RuPaul’s Drag Race may have won the red carpet, The Traitors took home Outstanding Reality Competition Program. Alan Cumming also beat RuPaul for Outstanding Host for a Reality of Reality Competition Series again this year. On the red carpet, Cumming wore a pin, resembling a military honour, in the colour of the trans flag reading “Not a Phase.”
Who was dressed as a giant Labubu and Michael Jackson on the red carpet?
Sorry Princess Poppy. The season 17 cast has dethroned your goblin red carpet look. Joella and Kori King had the most viral red carpet looks dressing as a life-sized Labubu and Michael Jackson. This isn’t the first time King has embodied the King of Pop, as she is known for doing Cameos as Jackson.
Hormona Lisa dressed as Miss Piggy, bringing along her date Kermit the Frog – obviously. Lucky Starzzz walked in a red beaded dress with pearls draped around her neck. She also donned an oversized hand and headpiece – we’d hate to be the one sitting behind her.
Sam Star, Jewels Sparkles and Lana Ja’Rae were giving Hollywood glam on the red carpet. Acacia Forgot wore a Canadian tuxedo accessorized with a denim bag. Lexi Love sported a glittery pink body suit with a bow and Suzie Toot had a lovely black and white dress with a bowler hat. Arrietty also made an appearance wearing a blue gown.
What were some of the LGBTQI+ moments from the Emmy Awards?
Beyond the wins, there was playful LGBTQI+ banter and tributes throughout the night. Before announcing the nominees for Outstanding Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series, Hunting Wives stars Brittany Murphy and Malin Akerman had some cheeky dialogue. “Sorry I was really slow to come out,” Snow said. “Oh, I don’t mind waiting for you to come out, “ responded Akerman, making reference to the sapphic storyline on their show. It was also announced that the series will return for a second season on Netflix.
There was also a Golden Girl tribute honouring the 40th anniversary of the show’s premiere. Reba McEntire, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman sang the series’ iconic theme song in the show’s kitchen. While some people have been 50/50 on the tribute, Michael Urie seemed to loved it as the camera cut to him singing along.
What were the behind the scenes highlights at the Emmy Awards?
Entertainment news outlets are circulating a lot of behind the scenes and before and after moments from the ceremony on social media.
Stuart McClave, was seen blotting boyfriend Connor Koch’s (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story) face during the commercial break. It’s unknown when this happened, but Koch didn’t have a lot of face time on the telecast.
Jennifer Coolidge was seen trying to take a selfie with Jewels Sparkles, but her phone was out of battery. She did find a solution in the end, but we’re still waiting for the photo.
Angela Bassett was giving hugs and showing love for the RuGirls after the Emmy’s. Acacia Forgot and Sam Star couldn’t help but take a selfie with the 9-1-1 star.
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