The Creative Arts Emmys celebrated television’s finest technical achievements and standout performances this weekend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Held on September 6 and 7, 2025, the ceremonies honored nearly 100 categories, ranging from production design and visual effects to guest acting, costumes, and makeup. As always, the Creative Arts Emmys set the stage for the main Primetime Emmys by highlighting the artistry that powers television from behind the scenes.
Night One Highlights
- Andor earned multiple wins in production design, visual effects, and editing.
- Severance picked up awards for production design, costume design, and sound mixing.
- The Penguin impressed with wins in prosthetics, contemporary makeup, hairstyling, and casting.
- Legendary actress Julie Andrews captured her first Emmy for voice-over performance in Bridgerton.
- Merritt Wever added her third Emmy for her emotional guest role in Severance.
- Bryan Cranston secured the guest actor award in a comedy for his performance in The Studio.
- Julianne Nicholson triumphed as guest actress in a comedy for Hacks.
These moments showcased the variety and talent recognized at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Andor and Severance Lead Technical Mastery
The Apple TV+ hit Andor stood out with awards in production design, visual effects, and editing. Its detailed world-building and cinematic approach made it a technical standout this season.
Meanwhile, Severance continued its momentum by taking home Creative Arts Emmys for production design and costumes, along with recognition for Outstanding Sound Mixing in the episode “Cold Harbor.” The show’s unique style and meticulous technical details clearly resonated with voters.
The Penguin’s Impressive Sweep
DC’s The Penguin also had a strong showing, earning four wins across different categories. The series excelled in prosthetic makeup, contemporary makeup, and hairstyling, as well as casting. These wins reflected how well the show combined gritty realism with elevated production artistry.
Celebrating Standout Performances: Andrews, Wever, Cranston, Nicholson
- Julie Andrews, at 89, finally captured her first Emmy for her voice-over as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton. Her win was a standout moment in a career already decorated with Oscars, Tonys, and Grammys.
- Merritt Wever earned her third Emmy for a dramatic guest performance in Severance. Her ability to deliver raw emotion in a short arc once again underscored her versatility.
- Bryan Cranston won his seventh Emmy for his guest role in The Studio. His comedic turn as an eccentric character showed his continued dominance across genres.
- Julianne Nicholson was recognized for her guest role in Hacks, where she portrayed a dance-obsessed mother in a performance that combined humor with depth.
These wins highlighted how guest roles and special appearances often bring some of the most memorable performances on television.
Numbers and Scope of the Awards
This year, Severance and The Penguin tied for the most Creative Arts Emmy nominations at 17 each, with The Studio close behind at 16. The sheer spread of categories at the Creative Arts Emmys underscores their importance in honoring television excellence beyond the Primetime spotlight.
Fans who missed the live ceremonies can watch the edited broadcast airing on FXX on September 13, with streaming available on Hulu through October 7.
Key Wins at the Creative Arts Emmys
| Program / Individual | Category Highlights |
|---|---|
| Andor | Production design, visual effects, editing |
| Severance | Production design, costumes, sound mixing |
| The Penguin | Prosthetics, makeup, hairstyling, casting |
| Julie Andrews | Voice-over performance in Bridgerton |
| Merritt Wever | Guest Actress in a Drama for Severance |
| Bryan Cranston | Guest Actor in a Comedy for The Studio |
| Julianne Nicholson | Guest Actress in a Comedy for Hacks |
This year’s Creative Arts Emmys once again reminded viewers that television’s brilliance isn’t just about leading actors or writers. The artistry of production teams, designers, and guest performers plays an equally important role in shaping stories that resonate with audiences.
Which of these wins stood out most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on television’s biggest night of creativity.