Cristin Milioti Wins Emmy for The Penguin Lead Role

Lead: At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025, Cristin Milioti captured the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series trophy for her portrayal of Sofia Gigante in HBO’s The Penguin.

Nut Graf: Milioti’s victory marks her first Emmy nod and win, elevating the DC spin-off’s prestige after it led all limited series with 24 nominations and underscoring the show’s critical acclaim and cultural impact.

Major Wins and Nominations

  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
  • Winner: Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
  • Nominee: The Penguin
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
  • Nominee: Colin Farrell, The Penguin
  • Directing and Writing in a Limited Series
  • Nominees: Helen Shaver and Jennifer Getzinger, The Penguin

Series Performance Highlights

  • The Penguin led limited series contenders with 24 total nominations, trailing only Apple TV+’s Severance (27 nods) across all categories.
  • The show earned praise for its gritty neo-noir aesthetic, Colin Farrell’s transformative performance, and Lauren LeFranc’s incisive storytelling.

Acceptance and Career Milestone

Upon accepting her award, Milioti quipped about her notes written during therapy and expressed gratitude for collaborating with the cast and crew. With a Tony and Grammy already in her collection, this Emmy win brings her one step closer to EGOT status.

Ceremony Context

Hosted by Nate Bargatze at Peacock Theater, the ceremony celebrated television’s best from June 2024 through May 2025. HBO’s The Penguin joined fellow HBO Max hits in dominating nominations and solidifying its place as one of the year’s most lauded limited series.