The Creative Arts Emmys ceremony delivered its first major surprise tonight as Bryan Cranston secured his seventh career Emmy for his guest performance in “The Studio.” The Breaking Bad star defeated defending champion Jon Bern to claim the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series award, marking another milestone in his decorated television career.
Night One Results Shape Emmy Season
The prestigious awards ceremony spans September 6 and 7, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honoring television’s top artistic and technical achievements. Early winners for Night 1 include Julianne Nicholson for best guest actress in a comedy series for “Hacks” alongside Cranston’s victory for “The Studio.”
Leading the nominations race, “Severance” and “The Penguin” entered the evening tied at 17 nominations each for Creative Arts Emmy categories. “The Studio” followed closely as a runner-up contender, particularly strong in guest performance categories.
Star-Studded Presenter Lineup
Saturday’s ceremony featured an impressive roster of presenters including Jamie Lee Curtis, Ron Howard, Maya Rudolph, Noah Wyle, and Gwendoline Christie. Christie notably announced Cranston’s category victory during the ceremony. Sunday’s second night will feature additional presenters including Mikey Day, Jordan Klepper, Joe Manganiello, Marlee Matlin, and Questlove.
Technical Excellence Takes Center Stage
A total of 50 Emmys were distributed during Night One, covering categories spanning guest performances and outstanding TV movies. The Creative Arts Emmys continue Sunday with an additional 49 statues in writing, casting, makeup and picture editing categories.
The two-evening ceremony will be edited into a single broadcast airing Saturday, September 13, at 8 p.m. PST on FXX. This precedes the main Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14.
Special Recognition Announced
During this year’s Creative Arts Emmys ceremony, the Governors Award will be presented to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, recognizing CPB’s championing of “storytelling that informs, educates, and unites us.”
The Creative Arts Emmys continue to celebrate the craft and artistry that makes television exceptional. With Night Two still ahead, more surprises and recognition await the industry’s most talented behind-the-scenes professionals and guest performers.
What are your predictions for tomorrow’s remaining categories? Share your thoughts on which shows and artists deserve recognition in the comments below.