It’s that time again – when award-season buzz hijacks our feeds and our favourite TV characters trade their scripts for golden statues. The Television Academy has just revealed the full nominations list for the 77th Emmy Awards, set to air on September 14, and it’s packed with twists no one saw coming.

To land a nomination this year, a show had to air between June 2024 and May 2025. And from the look of the leaderboard, a few heavy-hitters clearly stole the Academy’s heart. The Penguin, Severance, and The White Lotus dominated the pack, collecting nods for Best Drama Series, Best Writing, and standout performances from their star-studded casts.

But it’s Cristin Milioti who’s getting the internet talking. After years of memorable roles in shows like How I Met Your Mother and Black Mirror, Milioti has finally scored her first Emmy nod for her role as the sharp and calculating Sofia Falcone in The Penguin. “I can’t wait to have a big dessert as a treat later,” she joked in an interview. “To be recognised for this show was so lovely and validating… but the experience itself was already so deeply worth it.”

Then there’s Owen Cooper, who might just rewrite Emmy history this year. At just 13, the young actor earned a nomination for his chilling performance in Adolescence as Jamie Miller—a troubled teen accused of a classmate’s murder. If he wins, Cooper will become the youngest Emmy-winning actor the Academy has ever crowned. Not bad for someone who probably still has homework to do.

But the biggest shocker of this Emmy season? Legendary filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard earned acting nominations. Yes, acting. The duo made unexpected guest appearances in the razor-sharp satire The Studio, and voters clearly loved every second of it.

The Studio isn’t just riding the surprise wave—it’s leading it. With 23 nominations, it’s now neck and neck with The White Lotus and just behind The Penguin (24 noms) and the reigning frontrunner Severance (27 noms). The show’s cast and crew were understandably over the moon. From what started as a smart industry spoof, The Studio has suddenly become a serious contender.

So, if you’ve been neglecting your TV queue, now’s the time to catch up. Grab the remote and mark your calendar—on September 14, all eyes will be on the Emmy stage to see who takes home television’s biggest honours.