In the electrifying glare of the Peacock Theater’s spotlights on September 14, 2025, as the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards drew to a thunderous close, one unlikely anti-hero from the shadows of Gotham emerged as the evening’s breakout victor. HBO’s “The Penguin,” the gritty, eight-episode limited series that transformed DC Comics’ bumbling bird-man into a Shakespearean crime lord, clinched a staggering nine Emmy wins, tying for the most among limited series and sending waves of jubilation through the industry’s elite. Created by Lauren LeFranc and executive produced by visionary filmmaker Matt Reeves, the show—starring a unrecognizably transformed Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb—swept across technical mastery and raw performance, proving that even in a year dominated by fresh comedies like Apple TV+’s “The Studio” (which nabbed 13 wins overall), prestige drama could still reign supreme. Congratulations poured in for Reeves, LeFranc, and the stellar cast and crew, who turned a comic book villain into Emmy gold. But wait—did you catch this masterpiece? If not, you’re missing one of the most riveting rises to power in television history.

The ceremony, hosted with affable charm by comedian Nate Bargatze, unfolded like a high-stakes heist, with nominees clutching their seats amid suspenseful announcements. “The Penguin” had already made waves the week prior at the Creative Arts Emmys, where it scooped up eight trophies in categories that highlight the behind-the-scenes sorcery making Gotham’s underbelly so viscerally alive. But it was the Primetime finale that sealed its legacy: Cristin Milioti’s powerhouse portrayal of Sofia Falcone Gigante earned her the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series award, her first Emmy nomination and win, capping the show’s total at nine. As Milioti ascended the stage, her acceptance speech—a heartfelt blend of gratitude and grit scribbled on the back of a therapy note—drew roars from the crowd. “I loved making this show and playing Sofia so much,” she declared, her voice steady despite the emotion. “She’s the reason our show is so special—thank you, Lauren LeFranc, whose brain I wanna freebase.” The quip elicited laughs, but the tears in her eyes underscored the personal triumph: from breakout roles in “How I Met Your Mother” and “Black Mirror” to commanding the screen as a vengeful mob princess, Milioti’s Sofia was a force of unbridled fury and fragility.

For those still pondering if they should dive into “The Penguin,” consider this your siren call. Premiering on HBO and Max in September 2024, the series picks up one week after the cataclysmic events of Reeves’ 2022 blockbuster “The Batman,” where Farrell’s brief cameo as the scheming Oz Cobb hinted at untapped depths. Directed with noir precision by talents like Helen Shaver and Jennifer Getzinger, the show chronicles Oz’s audacious bid to seize control of Gotham’s criminal empire following Carmine Falcone’s death. Disfigured, diminutive, and dismissed as a joke by rivals, Oz claws his way up through betrayal, brutality, and sheer cunning, transforming the Penguin from a sideshow villain into a tragic kingpin worthy of Scorsese. LeFranc, drawing from her roots in “The Americans” and “Orange Is the New Black,” infuses the narrative with sharp social commentary on class, corruption, and the American Dream gone rotten. “We wanted to make a show about power—who has it, who wants it, and what it costs,” LeFranc shared in a post-win interview, her words echoing the series’ pulse-pounding ascent.

The ensemble is a rogues’ gallery of excellence, with Farrell’s Oz at its scarred heart. Buried under layers of prosthetic makeup—courtesy of the team that won Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup—Farrell vanishes into the role, his bulbous nose, waddling gait, and gravelly Brooklyn accent evoking a mix of Tony Soprano and Travis Bickle. Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (though edged out by Stephen Graham in “Adolescence”), Farrell’s performance is a tour de force of vulnerability masked by menace. “Oz is every underdog who’s ever been stepped on,” Farrell reflected backstage, his real features a stark contrast to the character’s grotesque facade. Supporting him is Milioti’s Sofia, the ice-veined daughter of the late Carmine, released from Arkham Asylum with a vendetta that rivals Batman’s own. Her chemistry with Oz—part alliance, part rivalry—crackles with tension, as the two outsiders navigate a web of faltering families and FBI informants.

The rest of the cast elevates the ensemble to Emmy-worthy heights. Rhenzy Feliz shines as the ambitious Vic, Oz’s conflicted protégé; Michael Kelly brings brooding intensity as Johnny Viti, the Falcone underboss; and Deirdre O’Connell delivers a heartbreaking turn as Francis, Oz’s domineering mother whose influence lingers like a ghost. Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, the rival mobster, adds grizzled gravitas, while Theo Rossi and Michael Zegen round out the criminal cabal with authentic street smarts. Reeves, whose “Batman” trilogy vision emphasizes grounded realism over capes and gadgets, executive produced alongside Dylan Clark and Colin Farrell himself, ensuring the series feels like a natural extension of his cinematic universe. “Matt’s Gotham is alive, breathing, and brutal,” LeFranc noted. “We shot on location in New York and LA to capture that grit—no green screens for the soul of the city.”

“The Penguin’s” path to Emmy glory was paved with critical acclaim and cultural impact. Launching to 1.5 million viewers on premiere night—HBO’s biggest debut for a limited series since “The White Lotus”—it quickly became a watercooler staple, blending operatic drama with pulse-racing action. Episodes like “Cent’Anni,” directed by Shaver and nominated for Outstanding Directing, feature a brutal wedding massacre that rivals “The Godfather,” while the finale’s power vacuum showdown leaves Gotham forever altered. The series’ technical prowess shone through in its wins: Outstanding Sound Mixing and Editing for the immersive audio of rainy alleys and explosive confrontations; Outstanding Music Composition for the haunting score that underscores Oz’s isolation; Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for the era-blending wardrobe of fur coats and fedoras; and Outstanding Special Visual Effects for subtle enhancements like the flooding streets during a pivotal storm. Hairstyling and non-prosthetic makeup rounded out the craft victories, celebrating the team’s ability to make Gotham’s grime feel tangible.

But beyond the awards, “The Penguin” resonated for its timely themes. In a post-pandemic world grappling with inequality, Oz’s story mirrors the real-world underbelly of ambition unchecked. Critics hailed it as “the best DC show since ‘Watchmen'”—a high bar, given its 24 nominations, second only to that HBO predecessor’s 26. Farrell and Milioti swept precursors like the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice, building unstoppable momentum. Social media erupted post-win, with fans tweeting hail of praise: “The Penguin didn’t just win Emmys—it waddled into history!” one viral post declared, while another gushed, “Cristin Milioti as Sofia? Iconic. Oz’s rise is my new obsession.” The buzz extended to comic book purists, who appreciated the series’ fidelity to the Penguin’s origins in 1941’s “Detective Comics” while updating him for modern sensibilities—no flipper hands, but plenty of psychological depth.

As the night wound down, with “The Studio” claiming the night’s top honors and other heavyweights like “Severance” and “Adolescence” nabbing eight wins each, “The Penguin” stood tall as a testament to HBO’s prestige pedigree. Reeves, accepting a nod for his producing role, teased future expansions: “Gotham’s story is far from over—expect more shadows to stir.” LeFranc, beaming alongside her team, credited the crew’s “fierce passion” for the success. For the cast, it was a family affair; Farrell, Milioti, and crew reunited for emotional backstage hugs, toasting with champagne amid flashes from adoring fans.

So, did you see this show? If “The Penguin” somehow slipped past your watchlist amid the streaming deluge, stream it now on Max—it’s not just a win at the Emmys; it’s a masterclass in villainy, vulnerability, and victory. In a ceremony that celebrated television’s boldest voices, “The Penguin” reminded us why we tune in: for stories that grip, unsettle, and ultimately, elevate. Nine Emmys later, Oz Cobb’s empire feels unbreakable—and deservedly so. Gotham’s bird has flown high, and Hollywood is all the richer for it.