2025 Emmys live chat: Britt Lower, Jeff Hiller lead big upsets

We’ve celebrated the nominations, predicted the winners and gotten all glammed up. Now follow along throughout the night as our experts break down the 2025 Emmy Awards.

7:39 p.m. The cheers Colbert gets when his name is announced as his “Late Show” wins the top late-night prize. It’s like Dodger Stadium suddenly “And THE CROWD GOES WILD…” — M.M.

You don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone. — G.W.

Colbert thanks Amy Cole, who was his assistant for 16 years and died last year and says he loves his country more than ever before. — M.M.

Colbert name-checking Prince and “Let’s Go Crazy” was a nice capper on the speech. “If the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy — punch a higher floor.” — G.W.Remember when he started his own Super PAC? I wonder if he should run for office.

Remember when he started his own Super PAC? I wonder if he should run for office. — M.M.

His decency would set him apart. — G.W.

7:36 p.m. Oh man … how are you doing, Mary? — G.W.

I knew it! Stephen Graham wins for lead acting in a limited series for his role as the father in “Adolescence.” I am very sad I do not get to see Colin Farrell but as I said earlier, Graham was the only one I would forgive for taking away this glorious dream.

He is such a great actor. I’ve seen him in a bunch of things over the years, he always brings it, no matter how small the role so yeah, this is a good thing. — M.M.

Cristin Milioti should be thankful there was no lead actress in “Adolescence.” That show otherwise swept through the limited series categories. — G.W.

7:29 p.m. Every time I’m reminded David Lynch passed this year — as with that In Memoriam segment — I’m still a little bereft.

But Mary, just to revive your spirits: Colin Farrell’s category is next!! And after that, Ste-phen, Ste-phen, Ste-phen!!! — G.W.

I have been living for these two things. — M.M.

7:17 p.m. I would think with this Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, the telecast is about to get a little more political. — G.W.

Did you know that Ted Danson’s father was an archaeologist, though? Or that Steenburgen’s dad was a train conductor? Just when you thought they couldn’t get any cooler… — M.M.

I did not know these things. Good people. I wish their speech had been a little lighter on platitudes. But it was nice. And nice is the vibe of the evening. — G.W.

7:15 p.m. Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego made an impassioned plea for public television, noting that the Corporation of Public Broadcasting will be shutting its doors after having its funding cut by Congress.

CPB received the Academy’s Governors Award this year. In a decidedly and consistently non-political telecast, it is a grim reminder that even entertainment for entertainment’s sake is not immune from the vagaries of politics. — M.M.

7:06 p.m. Cristin Milioti wins for “The Penguin” in which she plays Arkham alum Sofia Falcone. — M.M.

Milioti had been having the misfortune of competing against Jessica Gunning’s undeniable performance on “Baby Reindeer,” losing to her earlier this year at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. Nice that she has a moment. Well-earned.

Plus, she gave maybe the best speech of the night? Certainly the most enthusiastic. I kind of needed that energy too. The show has been a little sleepy the past hour. — G.W.

She is a treasure. And yes! a nice adrenaline injection. I am getting super tired of the money count. — M.M.

I feel like Bargatze has something planned to put a bow on that money count at the evening’s end. — G.W.

7:01 p.m. Erin Doherty wins supporting actress in limited series or TV movie for “Adolescence”! — M.M.

She had such a showcase with that third episode of the series, the taut two-hander with fellow Emmy winner Owen Cooper. — G.W.

She should have won for her Princess Anne in “The Crown,” which I still think about. But this is good too. — M.M.

6:52 p.m. Well, Kathy Bates did get to at least have a fun moment on stage, even if she didn’t win for “Matlock.” — G.W..

Bates and Alan Cumming teasing each other about their respective Emmy wins/losses is classic. — M.M.

Meanwhile, how do I watch this “Traitors”? — G.W.

First you have to watch “Golden Girls.” — M.M.

Maybe I’ll just re-watch “Somebody Somewhere.” — G.W.

6:50 p.m. There is no way Bargatze is going to ding Lorne Michaels for talking too long as he accepts an Emmy for “SNL’s’ 50th anniversary special. — M.M.

6:43 p.m. That win for “The Studio” was for the episode that started it all and made me more interested to see a Kool-Aid movie than practically anything that an actual studio released this summer. — G.W.

6:42 p.m. “The Studio” just won something else. Oh, for writing. I wonder if Rogen is re-thinking his brown velvet jacket. — M.M.

Multiple wins mean shorter speeches. And more money for the kids! — G.W.

6:38 p.m. Seeing “Adolescence” win another Emmy, I’m going to go hug my kids. Be back in a sec. — G.W.

Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne win for “Adolescence” for writing in a limited series. Everything I said previously about the show But I don’t think I have ever seen a greater height difference on an awards stage in my life. — M.M.

“That was a show called ‘Adolescence’ that did that to adolescents.” Bargatze is pretty OK! — G.W.

I was just about to write that! — M.M.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say, “Just as good as Kimmel.” — G.W.

Watch it, he’ll be hosting the Oscars next! — M.M.

Conan is already signed for the next ceremony! — G.W.

I love a man who says “good night” as an expletive. — M.M.

6:34 p.m. Watching these promo commercials … which series would you rather watch, Mary? The new season of “The Morning Show” or “DMV” on CBS? Without knowing anything about the latter, I’d opt for a trip to the DMV. — G.W.

I went to get some chili to be honest. — M.M.

6:28 p.m. Not a surprise: Owen Cooper winning for “Adolescence.” He was astonishing. At 15, he is youngest Emmy nominee and winner in this category. And he got to get his award from Sydney Sweeney! — M.M.

And he’s still able to concentrate! — G.W.

“Three years ago, I was nothing.” Dude, three years ago, you were twelve! But honestly, completely expected because it was so obviously deserved — a tremendous performance in a high-wire series. I could barely stand to watch it and I mean that as the highest compliment. It was so hauntingly, disturbingly authentic. — M.M.

Stephen Graham thinks he’s the next Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s so good that you don’t laugh off the possibility. — G.W.

6:25 p.m. Dan Gilroy wins writing for a drama for “Andor.” That’s a big surprise. Though not for “Andor” fans. — M.M.

There’s so much respect for what the Gilroy borthers did with “Andor” that you could see voters having a strong impulse to reward it. And here we are! I never thought I’d willingly watch “Star Wars” content again. — G.W.

It’s not “Slow Horses,” but I’ll take it. — M.M.

6:19 p.m. I love John Oliver but his annual Emmys win has become a bit tedious. — M.M.

If anyone can deliver a speedy acceptance speech, it’s John Oliver! — G.W.

I mean, if it’s a choice between John Oliver and another tepid season of “SNL,” a show that had its fire extinguished about seven years ago, I’ll take John Oliver. — G.W.

I feel like they seriously need to tweak that category. — M.M.

With late-night contracting, I think they will … again. — G.W.

6:14 p.m. OH YES!!!! A ‘SLOW HORSES’ WIN! — M.M.

That is almost as shocking as Hiller winning! — G.W.

Director Adam Randall wins! (What were you saying about Ben Stiller, Glenn?) Let’s go, Gary! — M.M.

Randall was the first “Slow Horses” director to be hired to return for a second season. He’s good! But I don’t know. I think Stiller was robbed. — G.W.

“Slow Horses” has become my favorite show. I have watched every season three times! If it were up to me, it would win all the Emmys. — M.M.

6:08 p.m. “When was the last time a directing category had four women and one man?” asks Elizabeth Banks, presentign the award for directing in a limited series. Not the best tee-up for that man, Phillip Barantini, who wins for “Adolescence.” But “Adolescence” was an astonishing piece of direction and I don’t think we can hold it against him. — M.M.

Nope. First Emmy for the night for “Adolescence” and it won’t be the last. — G.W.

A feat of one-shot filming and working with a young, previously non-professional cast. — M.M.

Funny that we had back-to-back director winners for episodes that were essentially one-shot wonders. — G.W.

Are you sensing a trend? — M.M.

Well, Ben Stiller will win for directing the “Severance” finale. Not a “oner.” — G.W.

I feel like “Adolescence” could deprive me of my Colin Farrell acceptance speech which would break my heart but Stephen Graham was so good in it. — M.M.

6:04 p.m. After the Hiller win, I thought maybe Nathan Fielder had a shot at comedy series director. — G.W.

And yet “The Studio’s” Seth Rogen, who said he has never won anything, just won his second Emmy with Evan Goldberg for directing in a comedy series. — M.M.

6:00 p.m. It’s only been an hour but I have to say this show is moving pretty quickly and much more surprising than I thought it would be. — M.M.

It’s OK if the Emmys want to get in and out, though. And one truly OMG surprise — that’s a good night. Especially when it was for a show we love so much. — G.W.

5:57 p.m. Hiller’s win almost makes up for the Bates snub. Seriously, it is possibly my favorite Emmy moment ever. And i’ve been doing this a very long time. His performance is just exquisite. — M.M.

People are listening to Hiller’s great speech and wondering, “What is this show, ‘Somebody Somewhere?” If the Emmys do nothing else but point people to this treasure of a series (available on HBO Max), it will have been a success. — G.W.

“Somebody, Somewhere” should have gotten way more nominations. — M.M.

It’s going to be one of those shows that people discover year after year for a very long time. — G.W.

5:55 p.m. OMG. “Somebody Somewhere’s” Jeff Hiller wins for supporting actor in a comedy. — M.M.

That is truly shocking. — G.W.

Everyone needs to watch that show. Also can someone tell me who designed his suit, which is amazing? — M.M.

5:53 p.m. What is happening with the Emmy injury list? Sterling K. Brown on a medical scooter. I love that he left the little basket on it. — M.M.

His character had to leave the bunker for second season of “Paradise.” Apparently, it’s rough out there! — G.W.

5:51 p.m. Reality competition presenter Leanne Morgan so distracted by Pedro Pascal she almost announced the winner before listing the nominees! And it’s “The Traitors”! Because Alan Cumming. — M.M.

I have never watched “Traitors,” but I approve of Alan Cumming’s mustache and accent. — G.W.

5:44 p.m. “I was committed to the narrative that it’s cooler to continue to lose”: “Hack’s” Hannah Einbinder, who becomes the first winner to offer to pay the difference for her over-the-limit speech. Also first winner to make a political comment: “Free Palestine.” — M.M.

I also loved Einbinder’s speech and her offer to pay for going over. I feel like she got her money’s worth. — G.W.

“I will find her later,” Bargatze says. “Also she cursed and I will start a swear jar real fast.” He is doing great. — M.M.

5:41 p.m. I do not intend this as shade or commentary, but I have never seen an episode of “The Golden Girls.” You’re gonna have to take it from here, Mary. (But Colin Farrell vibing to “Thank You For Being a Friend” is now my No. 1 moment of the evening. — G.W.

Colin Farrell doing anything on camera is my No. 1 moment of the evening. Like I am having a hard time paying attention to anything waiting to see if he will win for “The Penguin.” — M.M.

Haha … I hope he comes up and sings a verse of that song, even if it costs the charity some money. — G.W.

I will pay for Colin Farrell to sing. I feel like we could whip up a Colin-Sings go fund me that would make Bargatze’s 100 grand look like chump change. Cut the mike on that lyrical Irish accent and we will RIOT. — M.M.

I never knew you were such a Colin Farrell fan, Mary! — G.W.

5:39 p.m. Kathy Bates, the odds-on favorite, is denied! Britt Lower wins lead actress drama for “Severance”! — M.M.

Kathy Bates did not look happy. I think she, like everyone else, thought that Emmy was hers. — G.W.

The dangers of awards predictions! I am personally heart-broken. How is this possible Glenn? — M.M.

5:35 p.m. Tillman’s win also quickly dispels fears of an #EmmysSoWhite shutout of actors of color, but it is worth acknowledging that Bargatze’s opening joke about CBS being the Caucasian Broadcasting System is regrettably mirrored by a notable lack of diversity among this year’s nominees. — M.M.

The best line in that opening sketch was Bowen Yang asking about an Asian television network when they were running down how there was a channel for everyone. And Bargatze quickly changed the subject to streaming. — G.W.

5:32 p.m. “Severance’s” Tramell Tillman wins for supporting actor in a drama. And does what every award winner should do — thank his mother. (If you are thanking your mother, the time does not count.) — M.M.

And there goes “The White Lotus’” last remaining Emmy chance. Tillman was so strong on the second season of “Severance,” revealing Mr. Milchick’s vulnerabilities and internal conflicts. Glad he won. Strike up the band! —G.W.

5:29 p.m. Ha! I do think we need to have a conversation about how much time is being spent telling people to keep their acceptance speeches short. Too much time I fear. Someone like LaNasa should not be shamed! I mean it is an awards show. Give them a full minute. —M.M.

5:26 p.m. Katherine LaNasa wins supporting actress in a drama for “The Pitt”! Breaking through “The White Lotus” crowd in the category. Is this going to be a “Pitt” sweep? — M.M.

Maaaaybe? I just know you’re thrilled Mary for the possibility of a “White Lotus” shutout. I wondered if Carrie Coon and Parker Posey would split the vote, giving LaNasa a much-deserved trophy. — G.W.

5:22 p.m. Smart is half-way to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ six consecutive Emmys for “Veep.” — M.M.

More than half! That’s four straight for “Hacks.” She has won for every season of the show. — G.W.

5:20 p.m. Even Jean Smart is like, “Enough, already.” — G.W.

Jean Smart was literally in the wings — that’s how sure they were she was going to win female lead in comedy. (In truth she broke her knee, so “just in case” they spared her the walk.) —M.M.

5:18 p.m. Did Jennifer Coolidge just make first colonoscopy joke in history of Emmys? — M.M.

Good thing Jennifer Coolidge isn’t winning this year. The charity fund would be in the red. —G.W.

5:13 p.m. I’m a Bargatze agnostic. But if this plan works and keeps speeches short, he will go down in history. Maybe not like George Washington, but still … — G.W.

The part where Bargatze has to pay more if the speech goes under. I can’t wait til Harrison Ford just waves. We honestly could be out of here in an hour. — M.M.

Nominees just took out there speeches, giving them a second look. No one wants to take away money from the Boys & Girls Clubs! — G.W.

5:08 p.m. And here’s Colbert! Life is good. “While I have your attention, is anyone hiring?” He presents Seth Rogen of “The Studio” with the award for lead actor in a comedy. With “The Studio” vs. “Hacks,” it’s a big night for fictional Hollywood. —M.M.

Great planning on the part of the producers. Start the show off with Rogen winning an Emmy … you know he’s going to be fun … and he was, even if he didn’t know what to say. — G.W.

5:04 p.m. And it’s a skit! Echoing his “SNL” performance as George Washington, Bargatze is Philo T. Farnsworth, who is in fact known as the “father of television.” — M.M.

Love Bargatze leaning into that Washington sketch. Still can’t let go of “The Bear” being classified as a comedy. It is confusing! — G.W.

“We create a world in which a woman hosts a late night talk show. Not in real life. but on a show called ‘Hacks.’” — M.M.

4:53 p.m. What have you been doing to prep for this evening, Glenn? I made chili and sent my husband on a Trader Joe’s run because guac and chips are required. — M.M.

Can I come over to your house, Mary? I need snacks. I just flew in from Washington where my niece, Meghan, tied the knot with the delightful Tommy. All I have in my stomach is the rum and coke my neighbor handed me when I got home. — G.W.

Oooo. This should be fun. The rum-and-coke Glenn is the best Glenn. Also, where do you live that neighbors just hand you rum and cokes when you arrive from the airport? — M.M.

Sadly, not Jamaica … though I’m making that a goal should be doing this next year. — G.W.

4:49 p.m. Do you really think “The Pitt” is going to win best drama? Over “Severance”? I feel like that category has the opportunity to surprise, but I bow to your odds-making track record. — M.M.

I picked “Severance,” Mary. It received 27 nominations to 13 for “The Pitt.” But upsets are often rooted in emotions. And no series provoked more of an emotional response this year. So I’d be happy to be wrong and have “The Pitt” prevail. — G.W.

So you are essentially betting each way. I confess I am anxious to see if the recently canceled “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” wins and what Colbert will have to say if it does. — M.M.

Haha … no … I picked “Severance.” But “The Pitt” winning would not be shocking. And I’d be there for it. — G.W.

4:45 p.m. Hello, Mary! Here we are again, another Emmys, another opportunity for you to lament that “Slow Horses” isn’t going to win best drama series. At least “Slow Horses” has won an Emmy (writing), something the late, great “Better Call Saul” never managed to do from 53 (!) nominations.

But that’s the past and we’re not here to relitigate. Let’s focus on the here and now. Did “The Pitt” wring enough tears to take the drama series Emmy? Is there anything left for Jean Smart to say other than “thank you” when she wins a fourth Emmy for “Hacks”? Will the traditionally taciturn Harrison Ford say anything other than “thank you” if he wins his first Emmy for “Shrinking”?

What questions are you mulling over as we await the ceremony to begin, my friend? — G.W.

“How’s Nate Bargatze going to do?” is the initial question. As I noted in an earlier column, his non-Hollywood, down-home, every-guy persona makes him quite a departure from past Emmy hosts. He is also rigorously non-political, and has said he will not be mentioning the recent killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Given the maelstrom of political vitriol over reactions (and non-reactions) to the tragedy, I do not envy him walking into this moment, but if anyone can sell the need for, and importance of, non-politically charged entertainment, it’s Bargatze.

Other than that, I am still holding out hope for Gary Oldman and “Slow Horses” to prevail (just as my daughters are rooting for Pedro Pascal and “The Last of Us”) and very much looking forward to seeing Kathy Bates win — I love “Matlock” and not just because it serves as a welcome reminder that older women deserve the same kind of roles that older men have long enjoyed. — M.M.