Category: Movies/TV

The Nigerian film industry continues to be one of the most vibrant storytelling ecosystems in the world. Beyond box-office hits and streaming successes, film festivals have become crucial platforms for discovering new voices, celebrating African cinema, and fostering collaborations between filmmakers, investors, and audiences.

As 2025 is coming to an end, Nigeria is set to host a series of prestigious film festivals that bring together filmmakers, producers, critics, and film lovers together. From Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Benin City, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top film festivals happening across Nigeria from October to December 2025.

Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)

Dates: October 26–31, 2025

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Founded in 2004, the Abuja International Film Festival is one of Nigeria’s longest-running film festivals. Its goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers from Africa and beyond to showcase their works, exchange ideas, and network with industry players.

The festival screens a broad range of content from documentaries and shorts to feature-length film. It also features panel discussions, masterclasses, film markets, and awards ceremonies, making it a key stop on the African festival circuit.

Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)

Dates: November 2–8, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

AFRIFF is arguably Nigeria’s most internationally recognized film festival. Since its inception in 2010, it has grown into a premier destination for African cinema, attracting filmmakers, industry executives, journalists, and cinema lovers from all over the world.

Held annually in Lagos, AFRIFF offers a week-long celebration of film, featuring screenings, industry sessions, pitching platforms, talent development programs, and the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (November 3–6). The festival has played a major role in positioning Nigeria as a creative hub for African storytelling.

Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF)

Dates: November 26–29, 2025

Location: Enugu, Nigeria

ENIFF was created to spotlight filmmakers from Eastern Nigeria while also welcoming entries from across Africa and beyond. Enugu, often regarded as the historic heart of Nollywood, provides a symbolic backdrop for this festival.

The 2025 theme, “Reimagine. Rethink. Reframe,” focuses on pushing creative boundaries and encouraging new cinematic perspectives. ENIFF showcases narrative films, documentaries, animations, and experimental works, accompanied by workshops, panel discussions, and youth-focused training sessions.

Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF)

Dates: November 27–29, 2025

Location: Owerri, Imo State

The Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF) is a growing event designed to highlight the power of storytelling in Nigeria’s Southeast.

IMOIFF focuses on empowering Nigerian storytellers through training programs, panel conversations, film showcases, and networking sessions. It serves as a bridge for young creatives, connecting them with mentors, funders, and collaborators.

Benin City Film Festival (BCFF)

Dates: November 27–29, 2025

Location: Benin City, Edo State

The Benin City Film Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a home for independent filmmakers. It focuses on films that challenge mainstream narratives and offer fresh, bold perspectives. The festival typically includes international and national screenings, panel talks, student competitions, and cultural showcases.

Benin City, with its rich artistic heritage, provides a vibrant atmosphere for the festival, blending film with local art, history, and tourism.

S16 Film Festival

Dates: December 1–5, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

The S16 Film Festival is a niche event dedicated to Super 16mm and analogue filmmaking. In an era dominated by digital technology, this festival celebrates the craft, texture, and discipline of analogue film production.

Participants engage in hands-on workshops, screenings of 16mm films, and discussions with veteran cinematographers who champion the art of traditional filmmaking.

African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF)

Dates: December 3–5, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

The AILFF is a celebration of films made in African indigenous languages, highlighting the diversity and cultural depth of the continent. It was created to challenge the dominance of English and French in African film narratives, and to encourage filmmakers to embrace their mother tongues.

The festival features screenings, language preservation panels, and storytelling workshops, creating a space where language and cinema intersect powerfully.

These festivals not only celebrate creativity but also provide real platforms for training, funding, and collaboration.

Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to showcase your work, a student hoping to learn or eager to explore fresh stories, get ready 2025 is still packed.

In Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a place filled with beauty, history, and pain, a young filmmaker is bringing a different kind of story to the screen. Agatha Doowuese Akaahar, a 23-year-old Tiv filmmaker from Benue State, is the writer and director behind Black Sands, a moving short film that shines a light on the real lives of people living through conflict.

Agatha’s love for storytelling began early. After losing her mother as a child, books became her escape. Later, theatre gave her a voice and showed her the power of stories to heal and connect. Even though she studied History and International Studies at the University of Ilorin, she never lost her passion for film.

The inspiration for Black Sands came from her own experiences growing up in Benue. “The Middle Belt is often spoken about only in numbers — how many died, how many were displaced,” she says. “But behind every number is a person, a family, a dream.”

Unlike most films about conflict, Black Sands doesn’t focus on politics. Instead, it tells a human story about love, loss, and resilience. The title is symbolic — sand usually represents life, but when huts burn, the sand turns black. “The land remembers everything,” Agatha explains. “Black Sands is both mourning for what has been lost and hope for what can still grow.”

The filming took place in Jos, Plateau State, a place that mirrors Benue’s landscape and history. The cast and crew, many of whom had personal experiences with violence, brought honesty and depth to the film. “It wasn’t just another project,” Agatha says. “It was a way to remember.”

As both writer and director, Agatha rewrote her script eight times to get the story right. The result is a film that blends personal truth with collective memory — a story told simply but powerfully.

With Black Sands, Agatha isn’t just releasing a short film; she’s preserving voices that are often forgotten. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of pain, people still live, love, and hope.

Film Details

Black Sands written by Agatha Doowuese Akaahar

Format: Short film (3 minutes)

Single location (mud-hut compound interior)

Three characters:

• Kator (15)
• Wuese (10)
• Their mother (30s)

Language: Tiv (with translations to English)

Logline: During a violent raid on a rural village in the hinterlands of Benue State, two older siblings are forced to hide their little siblings inside a water drum and sacrificing themselves to keep these little ones safe.

Genre: Drama / War / Political Tragedy / Coming-of-age

Setting: A modest mud-hut compound in rural Benue State, Nigeria. It is early morning. The space feels warm, smoky, and lived-in; filled with the quiet rhythm of village life: birdsong, crackling firewood, footsteps on the dusty path, yam boiling on the stove, and the soft hum of a mother’s song.

Synopsis: Black Sands is a visceral, intimate portrait of a family caught in a moment of irreversible change and irreparable damage.

Kator is cooking yam in the family kitchen while his younger sister Wuese nags him playfully for food. Their older sister, weary and quiet, hums softly as she nurses a baby in the next room. A framed photo on the wall of their father and young Kator is a quiet nod to a simpler life. His absence suggests that he’s either deceased or away at the moment.

In the blink of an eye, there’s a low rumble and everything falls apart. Panic ensues. Gunfire cracks in the distance. Kator hears shouts and cries in the distance and the scampering sounds of neighbours frantically running; he hears someone shout ‘Mba agwey shi va ve’ , he immediately deciphers what’s happening; The armed men in tribal wraps who often visit with machetes and leave a trail of violence and bloodshed in their wake are here again.

Smoke starts to rise as huts and barns are raised to the ground, their sister acts quickly. She leads them to the backyard where there’s a big dugbe; a large, empty water drum. In a few quiet, devastating gestures, she places the children in it.

From inside the drum: muffled breathing. Raised voices. A scream. Then; silence.

Later, in the aftermath of the chaos, Wuese is seen sitting and staring into the distance, suggesting that everyone else is gone.

Themes

• Familial sacrifice: The sister’s final actions show deep, silent love; she’s like a mother doing whatever it takes to protect her children.
• Innocence in conflict: The war is never shown directly. Instead, we see its impact through the eyes of confused, frightened children.
• Political erasure: The story highlights the human cost of the Middle Belt crisis in Nigeria; a tragedy that is personal, painful, and

Tone & Visual Style

• Cinematic realism: Handheld camera work, natural lighting, close-up shots, and subtle, emotional performances.
• Muted, earthy tones: Warm browns, soft greys, black ash, and gentle firelight to reflect the mood and setting.
• Sound design is key: The dugbe becomes a space filled with tension, where every sound from outside is amplified.
• Minimalist style: The violence is never shown, only heard. The story is told from the children’s emotional point of view.

Why This Story?

In just one location, with just three characters, Black Sands captures something deeply Nigerian: the fragility of peace, the quiet strength of mothers, and the small, unspoken ways we hold onto dignity in the face of devastation.

It is inspired by countless untold stories of displacement and systemic violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt; a region where family and community are the only shield, and memory, the only monument in the midst of all that chaos. This is a quiet, devastating film; deeply evocative, gripping, and powerful in its message. It is designed to eviscerate, to leave the audience with much to reckon with.

Budget: The budget for the film was ₦3M (three million naira) but due to Agatha’s financial management skills, the film was made under budget.

Netflix’s One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) is set to release in 2026. Here’s everything we know so far; cast, story arcs, new characters, and what to expect from the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey into the Grand Line.

Netflix’s One Piece Into The Grand Line

When Netflix’s live-action One Piece launched in 2023, it surprised fans and critics alike by delivering a faithful, fun, and visually daring adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga. The first season charted the rise of Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his ragtag crew through the East Blue saga, culminating in their setting sail toward the dangerous, mysterious, and endlessly exciting Grand Line.

Now, the voyage continues with One Piece: Into the Grand Line, the official title for Season 2.

When Will One Piece Season 2 Release on Netflix?

Netflix has confirmed that One Piece: Into the Grand Line is scheduled to debut in 2026, though no exact date has been announced yet. Filming wrapped in early 2025, meaning the show is now in the heavy visual effects and post-production stage.

Even better, Netflix has already given the series a Season 3 renewal, proving confidence in the franchise’s long-term potential.

What Story Arcs Will Season 2 Cover?

Season 2 promises to expand the world of One Piece beyond the relatively small seas of East Blue. Expect to see the Straw Hat Pirates navigate major fan-favorite arcs, including:

• Loguetown: The town where Gold Roger was executed, and where Luffy faces Marine Captain Smoker for the first time.
• Reverse Mountain & Whiskey Peak: The gateway into the Grand Line, introducing dangerous new foes and allies.
• Drum Island: Where the crew meets Tony Tony Chopper, the reindeer doctor who will officially join the Straw Hats.
• Little Garden: A prehistoric island filled with giants and hidden threats.

New Characters Joining the Adventure

The cast is expanding in exciting ways for Into the Grand Line:

• Tony Tony Chopper: Played via CGI and performance capture, Chopper is a reindeer who ate the Human-Human Fruit. He becomes the Straw Hats’ beloved doctor.
• Smoker: A chain-smoking Marine captain with a Logia-type Devil Fruit ability, making him a formidable new rival.
• Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin): Mysterious, intelligent, and dangerous, she plays a pivotal role in the Baroque Works storyline.
• Dr. Kureha: The eccentric doctor who mentors Chopper on Drum Island.
• Crocodile: The mastermind villain of Baroque Works, one of the first major warlords Luffy must overcome.

Production Team

The creative team remains mostly intact, with Joe Tracz leading Season 2 as showrunner and Matt Owens staying on as executive producer. Season 3 will see Ian Stokes join the leadership team, but for now, Into the Grand Line continues with the same insight that made Season 1.

Why Into the Grand Line Could Define Netflix’s One Piece

Season 1 was all about introducing Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. Season 2 is about testing them as a crew. The Grand Line is where the real adventure begins, where Devil Fruits, warlords, Marines, and ancient mysteries intertwine in ways that cement One Piece as one of the greatest sagas ever written.

If Netflix can balance emotional depth with the high-stakes action and outrageous creativity of Oda’s world, Into the Grand Line may not just satisfy fans but also prove that live-action anime adaptations can truly thrive.

Netflix has officially announced it has kicked off production on Fight for ’84, a powerful new sports drama starring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx alongside Malachi Beasley. Filming begins this September in New Jersey and is scheduled to run through December 2025, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated boxing films of the decade.

The Real Story

At its core, Fight for ’84 is more than just another boxing movie. It is inspired by true events that reshaped the course of American boxing history.

In 1980, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of the U.S. Olympic boxing team, leaving the sport devastated. The film picks up in the aftermath, following the emotional and physical journey of rebuilding a new squad that would go on to compete in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Foxx steps into the role of Master Sergeant Roosevelt Sanders, the man tasked with training, guiding, and motivating a group of young athletes as they chase redemption inside and outside the ring. Themes of loss, second chances, teamwork, and triumph are woven into the film’s narrative.

Jamie Foxx as LeadActor

Jamie Foxx is no stranger to sports drama. Having portrayed real-life legends like Ray Charles (for which he won an Oscar), Foxx brings depth to every character. In Fight for ’84, he plays Sanders, a leader who must balance discipline with compassion while shaping a broken team into champions.

Alongside him is Malachi Beasley, best known for his breakout roles in indie drama and television joins this cast. While details of Beasley’s character remain under wraps, his presence opposite Foxx signals Netflix’s commitment to blending seasoned talent with rising stars.

The Production Team

Netflix has assembled a heavyweight team for Fight for ’84:

• Director: Andrés Baiz (Narcos, Griselda)
• Writers: Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton), John Gatins (Flight), Andy Weiss (White Boy Rick)
• Producers: Eric Newman (Grand Electric), Bryan Unkeless (Night Owl), Michael W. Abbott, Henry Tillman, Datari Turne
• Executive Producers: Jamie Foxx and Andy Weiss

Filming in New Jersey: The ’80s Atmosphere

The production has transformed parts of New Jersey into 1980s America. From authentic gyms to period street scenes, the filmmakers are committed to immersing viewers in the look and feel of the era.

Extras casting calls in the New York–New Jersey area have been buzzing, particularly for boxing spectators, gym trainees, and background roles that bring the Olympic journey to life.

Filming runs through December 2025, with Netflix aiming for a release window in either late 2026 or 2027 (official date still unconfirmed).

Boxing films have long carried cultural weight, from Raging Bull to Creed. But Fight for ’84 stands apart because it’s rooted in real-life resilience.

1. It’s Spider-Man 4 in the MCU

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the fourth solo Spider-Man movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), continuing Tom Holland’s story after the blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).

2. The Title Means a Fresh Start

The title signals Peter Parker’s new chapter. After Doctor Strange’s memory-wiping spell, no one remembers Peter; not MJ, not Ned, not even the Avengers. This leaves him with a truly “brand new day” to rebuild his life.

3. Destin Daniel Cretton Takes the Director’s Chair

Known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Destin Daniel Cretton directs the movie, making his Spider-Man debut.

4. Writers Return

Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the duo behind the previous trilogy, are back to pen the script, ensuring continuity with Holland’s earlier Spider-Man adventures.

5. Release Date Set for July 2026

The Spider-Man Brand New Day movie will be released in U.S. theaters on July 31, 2026 as part of Marvel’s Phase Six lineup.

6. A Street-Level Tone

Unlike the multiverse spectacle of No Way Home, this installment promises a grounded, street-level approach. Expect Peter facing New York crime, dangerous but smaller-scale villains, and a grittier tone.

7. Comic Inspirations Without Direct Adaptation

The film borrows ideas from the 2008 Brand New Day comics; Peter’s life reset, new enemies emerging, and altered relationships but it is not a direct adaptation.

8. Fallout from No Way Home

At the end of No Way Home, Peter sacrificed everything when Doctor Strange erased him from everyone’s memory.

• MJ and Ned no longer remember him.
• The Avengers no longer recognize him.
• He’s completely alone for the first time.

This sets up Brand New Day as an emotional story where Peter must learn to live in isolation, rebuild his personal life, and still protect New York. It’s a more vulnerable Spider-Man, starting from scratch without allies.

9. Cast – Who’s In and Who’s New

Here’s the confirmed and reported cast for Spider-Man: Brand New Day:

• Tom Holland – Peter Parker / Spider-Man
• Zendaya – MJ (reduced role since she doesn’t remember Peter)
• Jacob Batalon – Ned Leeds
• Sadie Sink – new undisclosed role (fans speculate Gwen Stacy)
• Jon Bernthal – Frank Castle / The Punisher
• Michael Mando – Mac Gargan / Scorpion
• Mark Ruffalo – Bruce Banner / Hulk (reported)
• Liza Colón-Zayas – undisclosed role
• Tramell Tillman – undisclosed role

10. Tom Holland’s On-Set Injury

In September 2025, Tom Holland suffered a mild concussion while performing a stunt in the UK.

• He was briefly hospitalized and cleared by doctors.
• Production paused for a short break as a precaution.
• His father confirmed Tom would rest before returning.

Filming is expected to continue without major delays.

The Spider-Man Brand New Day movie is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most anticipated releases in 2026.

Nollywood fans have a reason to mark their calendars this festive season as Over Sabi Aunty gears up for its nationwide cinema release on December 19, 2025. The upcoming film, led by actress Toyin Abraham, promises to deliver a blend of laughter, drama, and heartwarming family moments, something needed in the holiday season.

A Story Rooted in Every Nigerian Family

I’d like to assume the story line follows its title “Over Sabi Aunt” which says it all. Drawing from the everyday Nigerian experience of that one relative who always claims to “know it all,” the film could be built around themes of love, chaos, community, and the humorous realities of family life.

Cast

The movie features an impressive lineup of Nollywood’s finest:

• Toyin Abraham (Lead)
• Shaffy Bello
• Odunlade Adekola
• Adedimeji Lateef
• Bisola Aiyeola

Together, this cast blends comedy and drama, setting the stage for what could become one of the standout Nigerian releases of the year.

Dropping just a week before Christmas, the release date is no coincidence. December is peak season for cinema visits in Nigeria, with families and friends looking for quality entertainment to enjoy together. By positioning Over Sabi Aunty as a family-friendly blockbuster, the producers are tapping into the festive spirit, when audiences are eager for both laughter and bonding.

Over Sabi Aunty looks set to be more than just another Nollywood comedy. It is a cultural mirror, celebrating the quirks and humor of Nigerian family life, while offering audiences a chance to laugh, reflect, and reconnect during the holiday season.

The Peacock Blockbuster “The Day of the Jackal,”starring Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, has been renewed for Season 2. 
The series, which reimagines Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel with a modern twist, left viewers wanting more after its first season.

Here’s everything you need to know about The Day of the Jackal Season 2 release date, cast, production updates, and what to expect from the highly anticipated return.

Renewal and Returning Cast

Peacock has officially confirmed a second season of The Day of the Jackal. Eddie Redmayne will return as the assassin which is expected, 
with several key cast members expected to return intheir roles, including:

• Úrsula Corberó  
• Charles Dance  
• Eleanor Matsuura  
• Lia Williams  
• Chukwudi Iwuji  
• Sule Rimi
• Ben Hall  
• Jonjo O’Neill  
• Adam James  
• Florisa Kamara

Production and Filming Locations

Season 2 is set to film across Budapest, Croatia, and London, adding to the series’ authentic international backdrop. 
Scripts are currently in development, and production is believed to be in progress, ensuring that the next season continues the cinematic quality that made Season 1 so compelling.

The Day of the Jackal Season 2 Release Date

As of now, Peacock has not officially announced The Day of the Jackal Season 2 release date. However, industry insiders suggest a possible premiere window of late 2026 to early 2027, depending on the pace of production and post-production.

Plot details are still unknown, but fans can anticipate a thrilling new release with Eddie Redmayne’s chilling performance at the center, Season 2 is likely to raise the stakes even higher.

The Day of the Jackal Season 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated returns in television. While the official release date hasn’t been confirmed, 
filming updates and cast confirmations already point to a good continuation of the story.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest epic, One Battle After Another, has officially premiered, and is already being hailed as one of the boldest films of 2025. With Leonardo DiCaprio leading the cast and Sean Penn portraying his ruthless rival, the film blends action, political drama, and family dynamics. Following its world premiere on September 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, critics have called it urgent, ambitious, and deeply emotional.

Beware of spoilers!

Plot Overview: A Former Revolutionary Pulled Back Into Action

At its core, One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a once-famous revolutionary who has spent 16 years living in hiding. Now a father, he raises his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) far away from the chaos of his past. His fragile peace ends when his old enemy, Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), resurfaces, reigniting a battle that forces Bob to confront his past and fight for his daughter’s future.

The story is both an intense rescue mission and a meditation on legacy, loyalty, and the price of political resistance.

Cast

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson
• Sean Penn as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw
• Chase Infiniti as Willa Ferguson
• Benicio del Toro as Sergio St. Carlos
• Teyana Taylor as Perfidia Beverly Hills
• Regina Hall, Wood Harris, and Alana Haim in key supporting roles

Premiere Reactions

The September 8 premiere generated strong critical buzz:

• Standout Performances: DiCaprio anchors the film with emotional weight, Sean Penn’s villainous turn is menacing yet magnetic, and Chase Infiniti shines as a breakout star.
• Ambitious Direction: Paul Thomas Anderson’s ability to blend action with political commentary and dark comedy was widely praised.
• Mixed Notes: At 162 minutes, some critics felt the runtime made the film dense, with occasional tonal imbalance. Still, most agreed the ambition and relevance outweighed these flaws.

Themes

One Battle After Another resonates beyond its action sequences. Its themes of activism, political polarization, and unfinished struggles reflect real-world anxieties in 2025. Anderson balances these heavy topics with humor, absurdist touches, and moments of family intimacy, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Release Date and Runtime

• World Premiere: September 8, 2025 (Los Angeles)
• U.S. Theatrical Release: September 26, 2025
• Runtime: 162 minutes
• Budget: Estimated $130M – $175M

One Battle After Another is more than just another entry in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed filmography. It’s a political thriller, an emotional father-daughter story, and a cultural statement rolled into one. With stellar performances, daring direction, and themes that resonate with today’s audience, the film is already positioned as one of 2025’s most important releases.

Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty have been wondering whether the hit Prime Video series would return for a fourth season. The answer is clear now: Season 3 is the final season.

The show, created by Jenny Han and based on her bestselling trilogy, was always designed to follow the three-book arc, The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, and We’ll Always Have Summer. With each book adapted into a season, Season 3 naturally serves as the conclusion.

Why Season 4 Isn’t Happening

Jenny Han confirmed that the series was never meant to stretch beyond three seasons. “It feels right to close this chapter with Season 3,” she explained. The final season adapts We’ll Always Have Summer, tying together Belly’s emotional journey, her love triangle with Conrad and Jeremiah, and her path to self-discovery.

With no fourth book in the original trilogy, there is no direct source material left to adapt. For fans, that might have seemed like the end of Cousins Beach. But Han had one more surprise in store.

A Movie to Continue the Story

Instead of a Season 4, The Summer I Turned Pretty will return as a feature-length movie on Prime Video.

The announcement was made around the Season 3 finale, with Jenny Han confirming she will write and direct the film. Lola Tung (Belly) and Christopher Briney (Conrad) are confirmed to reprise their roles, while it remains to be seen if Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) and other cast members will join.

Han described the decision this way: “There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due.”

What Will the Movie Cover?

Plot details are still undisclosed, but the movie is expected to pick up after the events of Season 3 and provide deeper closure for Belly’s story. Some fans speculate it may include moments that were only hinted at in the books, possibly a wedding, or a look at Belly and Conrad’s life beyond Cousins Beach.

Release Date

There is no official release date for the movie yet. Production details are still under wraps.

The 2025 Emmy Awards officially the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards lit up Los Angeles with glamour, star power, and a few unexpected twists. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony celebrated television’s best performances, groundbreaking shows, and unforgettable storytelling.

What stood out most was how new series such as The Pitt and The Studio dominated the night, while fan favorites like Severance still carved out historic wins.

The Biggest Winners of the Night

Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)

HBO Max’s The Pitt shocked many by beating heavyweight contenders like Severance, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus. With gripping storylines and standout performances, it became the evening’s biggest drama success.

• Lead Actor, Drama: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
• Supporting Actress, Drama: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
• Guest Actor, Drama: Shawn Hatosy (The Pitt)

Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)

Apple TV+’s The Studio swept comedy categories, cementing its place as a modern classic. Its mix of satire, heartfelt moments, and powerhouse performances gave it record-breaking wins.

• Lead Actor, Comedy: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
• Supporting Actor, Comedy: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
• Supporting Actress, Comedy: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence

Adolescence captivated Emmy voters with its raw storytelling and brilliant cast. It not only won Best Limited Series but also swept the acting categories.

• Lead Actor, Limited Series: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
• Lead Actress, Limited Series: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
• Supporting Actor, Limited Series: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
• Supporting Actress, Limited Series: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)

History-Making Moments

• Tramell Tillman (Severance) became the first Black actor to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
• Owen Cooper broke records as the youngest Emmy winner in history at age 15.
• The Studio became the most-awarded comedy of the decade so far.
• Jean Smart continued her winning streak with another Emmy for Hacks.

Complete List of Key Emmy Awards 2025 Winners

• Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
• Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
• Limited/Anthology Series: Adolescence
• Lead Actor, Drama: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
• Lead Actress, Drama: Britt Lower (Severance)
• Supporting Actor, Drama: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
• Supporting Actress, Drama: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
• Lead Actor, Comedy: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
• Lead Actress, Comedy: Jean Smart (Hacks)
• Supporting Actor, Comedy: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
• Supporting Actress, Comedy: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
• Lead Actor, Limited Series: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
• Lead Actress, Limited Series: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
• Supporting Actor, Limited Series: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
• Supporting Actress, Limited Series: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
• Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
• Animated Program: Arcane
• Reality Competition Program: The Traitors
• Variety Special (Live): SNL50: The Anniversary Special
• Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): Conan O’Brien: Mark Twain Prize

Creative Arts & Technical Achievements

Beyond the big categories, the Creative Arts Emmys honored behind-the-scenes excellence.

• Special Visual Effects: The Penguin – “Bliss”
• Writing for Comedy: The Studio – “The Promotion” (Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg & team)
• Outstanding Music Composition: Theodore Shapiro (Severance)