The 2025 Emmys: Neutral or Selective? Politics, Silence, and What It Means
Courtesy of Tima Miroshnichenko
The timing of this year’s Emmy Awards felt especially charged, not just because of the winners, but because of what was not said. Some of my fellow alumni were nominated—and even won—and I want to congratulate everyone behind those projects. It’s always inspiring to see familiar faces doing incredible work in TV.
But I also want to talk about the political atmosphere surrounding the show, especially in light of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, and how the Emmys chose to respond—or not respond.
Respect for Art + Respect for People
First: congratulations to everyone nominated, to everyone who won, to all the writers, the producers, the crew—every person whose work showed up in living rooms around the country. These awards aren’t just ceremonies; they’re milestones in people’s lives.
I was especially proud to see some of my fellow alumni recognized at the Emmys this year. Watching people I once shared classrooms and projects with go on to earn nominations and wins is inspiring. It’s a reminder that the work we put in now can lead to incredible opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what more they’ll create in the future.
What the Emmys Did Politically
This year, the Emmys’ host Nate Bargatze made it clear ahead of the broadcast that he intended to keep the night light and non-political—no jokes or remarks about current events, including the recent death of Charlie Kirk.
The show mostly kept that promise. The assassination of Charlie Kirk, which stirred a lot of national conversations in the days prior, wasn’t acknowledged during the broadcast. Many viewers noticed the silence. At the same time, there were moments in the show where other political issues came up—animals like support for Palestine or criticism of ICE were mentioned by some presenters. This mix felt intentional: selective silence in one area, speech in others.
Why Political Tone from Shows Like the Emmys Matters
Shows like the Emmys aren’t just entertainment; they’re cultural mirrors. When public figures are in the spotlight, what they choose to address—or choose to ignore—sends a message.
If something so close to the moment as the death of a public activist isn’t mentioned, some will see that as neglect or bias.
If other issues are raised, often by those aligned in certain political directions, it can feel like measurement of what’s acceptable or not.
And for many of us, no matter our political beliefs, this isn't about agreement—it’s about speaking with decency, respect, and consistency.
What I’d Prefer to See
Here’s what I believe would be better:
If the Emmys or any public platform is going to engage politically, it should do so with care and respect.
If there’s going to be silence about something that’s heavily publicized, then the platform should avoid negative or partisan remarks elsewhere, for fairness.
The priority should be unity, empathy, and recognizing humanity—even when people disagree.
Final Thoughts
Politics at award shows is always going to be messy, because we live in messy times. But silence can also be a choice—and no choice is without consequence.
To everyone who made something meaningful this year—nominees, winners, alumni—you should be proud. And to anyone watching: we can ask for better conversations, kinder platforms, and more honesty in what gets spoken.
What did you think of the Emmys this year—did their choice to stay mostly neutral feel right to you, or was there something you expected them to address? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment, and let’s talk about what kind of platforms we want moving forward.
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