The 78th annual Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles has sparked considerable backlash, with social media users and critics decrying the perceived lack of diversity among the winners in major acting categories. All 12 acting awards presented on Monday night were awarded to white performers, leading to renewed criticism and the resurfacing of the hashtag #EmmysSoWhite.
Variety's Clayton Davis dubbed the evening "Emmys So White Part 2," a reference to a similar controversy in 2021 when no actors of color won in the major categories. Davis reported that only 17 actors of color received nominations in the lead and supporting categories this year, a notable decrease from 28 nominees in 2025.
Notable snubs included Sterling K. Brown for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, who lost to Noah Wyle. Zendaya was nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series but lost to Rhea Seehorn. Similarly, Quinta Brunson and Janelle James from Abbott Elementary, along with Oscar Isaac and Riz Ahmed, were among the nominated actors of color who did not take home awards in their respective categories.
The only acting awards for on-camera or voice work that went to actors of color were for Ernest Harden Jr. and Octavia Spencer. However, these awards were presented at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony held two weekends prior to the main broadcast, not during the televised event on Monday.
Viewers took to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their disappointment and frustration. The perceived lack of recognition for actors of color at the main ceremony led many to question the direction of the awards.
Matthew Rhys made Emmys history by winning two leading actor awards in a single night: Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "Widow's Bay" and Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for "The Beast in Me." Other notable winners included Rhea Seehorn for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Pluribus," Jean Smart for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for "Hacks," and Allison Janney for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for "The Diplomat."
In the comedy categories, "Widow's Bay" swept several awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, with Kate O’Flynn winning Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Stephen Root taking Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. "The Pitt" was named Outstanding Drama Series, with Noah Wyle winning Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
This year's ceremony was hosted by Mariska Hargitay, marking the first time a woman has hosted the event in 15 years. A total of 555 programs were submitted across 14 program categories for this year's awards. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies, where many technical and non-televised awards were distributed, took place on September 5 and 6.