Hollywood’s glitz and glam was on full display at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night, but amid the speeches and red carpet excitement, one story was conspicuously absent: the tragic murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Just four days earlier, the Turning Point USA founder was shot in the neck during a Q&A event at Utah Valley University, an attack that shocked the nation and drew condemnation from President Trump.
Yet on Emmy night, the stars stayed silent on the fatal incident, sparking frustration among viewers.
Social Media Reacts to the Omission
Fans watching from home quickly took to social media to express their anger.
Many pointed out that while contemporary political issues like racial justice and immigration were highlighted, Kirk’s death received no acknowledgment.
One viewer tweeted, “So they decided to be non-political this year is why NO Moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk at the #Emmys.
What a joke Hollywood has become.” Others drew comparisons to past tributes, noting, “Charlie Kirk was not mentioned once at the Emmy awards.
George Floyd was mentioned numerous times in previous Emmy awards shows. Absolutely disgusting.”
Hollywood Speaks Out on Palestine
While Kirk’s murder went unmentioned, many stars used their platform to weigh in on global political issues, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Hannah Einbinder, 30, who won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, concluded her speech with a pointed message: “Finally, go birds, f**k ICE and free Palestine – thank you!” Breakout comic Megan Stalter also made a statement on the red carpet, carrying a purse emblazoned with “Ceasefire!” and telling Variety, “What’s the point of being at these big events if you’re not going to use your privilege?”
Javier Bardem Takes a Stand
Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem, wearing a black and white keffiyeh, urged viewers to support the pro-Palestine movement, highlighting the pledge of over 1,800 entertainment industry professionals to boycott Israeli film companies.
“Here I am today denouncing the genocide in Gaza,” Bardem said, referencing the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
He clarified that the boycott targets institutions, not individuals, calling for sanctions on companies complicit in justifying the violence in Israel and Gaza.
“We stand with those who fight and stand in solidarity with the oppressed,” he added.
Film Workers for Palestine
Several stars, including Hannah Einbinder, have signed the Film Workers for Palestine pledge, vowing to boycott companies implicated in the conflict.
Backstage, Einbinder emphasized the importance of distinguishing between Jews and the State of Israel.
“Boycotting is an effective tool to create pressure on the powers that be,” she said, underscoring that the pledge targets institutions involved in the genocide, not individuals.
Political Commentary Across the Ceremony
Other political statements were sprinkled throughout the night.
Daniel O’Brien, senior writer for HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, referenced the controversial firing of Stephen Colbert during his acceptance speech for Best Writing for a Variety Series, adding, “We are honored to share this category with all writers of late night political comedy while that is still a type of show that’s allowed to exist.”
The Major Emmy Winners
While political statements dominated some speeches, the awards themselves highlighted achievements across television:
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Best Drama Series: The Pitt
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Best Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence
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Best Comedy Series: The Studio
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Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, Hacks
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Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, The Studio
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Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
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Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere
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Best Talk Series: The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
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Best Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
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Outstanding Variety Special (Live): SNL 50: The Anniversary Special
Other notable wins included Noah Wyle’s Best Actor in a Drama Series for The Pitt, Owen Cooper’s historic win as the youngest male acting winner for Netflix’s Adolescence, and the continued success of AppleTV+’s The Studio, which racked up 13 Primetime Emmys.
Hollywood Balances Celebration and Activism
The 77th Emmy Awards highlighted the complex balance of celebration and activism in Hollywood.
While the night celebrated artistic achievement, it also reflected the industry’s willingness to take stances on global and domestic political issues—even if some controversies, like Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, went unmentioned.
The mix of entertainment, politics, and social commentary made this year’s ceremony both memorable and, for some viewers, contentious.