Nate Bargatze held true to his word… kind of.
While the host of the 2025 Emmy Awards—held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles Sept. 14—promised to deduct money from his $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every speech that went over the 45-second allotment, he ultimately was in a tight spot.
Indeed, trophy winners like Late Show host Stephen Colbert and Adolescence creator Stephen Graham gave exceptionally long speeches, and by the end of the night the donation pot was in the red: -$60,000.
“This night has been great for me,” Nate quipped from stage near the end of the ceremony. “Honestly, I think I’ve made money.”
After the number “went way down” and reached an “embarrassing” low, the comedian revealed that he would stick to his promise of donating to the charity, with a special surprise.
“CBS is going to add $100,000 [and] I will give $250,000,” Nate said while signing off the show. “It takes us to $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Club.”
While the audience erupted in applause, he added, “Thanks so much for being here. Congrats to the winners. Goodnight.”
Though Nate’s ploy for keeping speeches short was a bit of a flop, multiple people had fun with the ruse throughout the show. When Hannah Einbinderwon the for Outstanding Supporting Actress, she promised to “make up the difference” if she went over her allotted time.
Plus, Last Week Tonight host John Olivercalled out Nate while accepting his trophy for Outstanding Variety Series and giving perhaps the night’s quickest speech (Nate had promised to add money to the donation pot for short speeches).
“F–k you Nate Bargatze, that is a lot of money for you,” John quipped from stage, “and you can add a f–k to the swear jar as well.”
Read on to see other fun—and funny—moments from the 2025 Emmy Awards.
The Last of Them
Friends IRL and fellow nominees Pedro Pascal of The Last of Us and The White Lotus‘ Sam Rockwell looked as though they still can’t believe they’ve come this far.
The Late Night Club
They may be late night rivals for another season, but Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel let it be known they’re fighting for the same side, here with the help of their respective wives, Evelyn McGee-Colbert and Molly McNearny.
Colbert collected his first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series since he started hosting The Late Show on CBS in 2015, bringing his career total to 11. He also has three from writing for The Daily Show, four for writing from his days hosting The Colbert Report, plus two wins for Outstanding Variety Series; and an Outstanding Variety Special (Live) win for Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand: Building Back America Great Again Better 2020.
Almost Paradise
Hobbled by a torn Achilles but strong in spirit, Sterling K. Brown posed for a pic with Tina Fey.
What the F–k
We all saw Last Week Tonight With John Oliver win Outstanding Variety Series yet again (the show’s 32nd Emmy overall), but you may not have caught what the host said.
“F–k you, Nate Bargatze, that is a lot of money for you,” John Oliver said after purposely cutting his remarks short to aid the host’s pledged donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America, contingent on winners keeping their speeches under 45 seconds. “And you can add a ‘f–k’ to tohe swear jar as well!”
Hard to Break Free
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series winner Britt Lower winked at the layered mysteries of Severance by writing “LET ME OUT” on the back of her acceptance speech.
Wait, You Won? So Did I!
Presenting the reigning king and queen of comedy acting, first-time winner Seth Rogen of The Studio and Hacks‘ Jean Smart, who picked up her seventh Emmy.
Comfortably Cohabitating
Abbot Elementary‘s Sheryl Lee Ralph not only lives with her husband Vincent Hughes, he’s also her forever date.
A Real Love Story
The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood and boyfriend Adam Long looked like the least tragic of couples.
Presumed Serious
Jake Gyllenhaal made a rare award show appearance with girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu.
Only Lovers in the Building
We’re not detectives, or podcasters, but all the evidence so far leads to Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco living happily ever after.
Hello, I’m Sydney Sweeney
The Euphoria star and White Lotus alum hung onto her fiery red Oscar de la Renta shawl during the ceremony.
An Ambitious Pairing
White Lotus costars Lisa and Tayme Thapthimthong could both be proud of what they’ve achieved and how they got there.
The Few, the Proud
Amid a cast exodus ahead of season 51, Saturday Night Live‘s Bowen Yang had a chat with ColinJost and his wife, muse and frequent SNL guest star Scarlett Johansson.
Couples Council
Movie star Harrison Ford, a first-time Emmy nominee for Shrinking, made a night of it with wife Calista Flockhart.
Devoted Duo
Dying for Sex star Michelle Williams and director husband Thomas Kail might be craving sleep, having recently shared they welcomed their third baby together via surrogate, but they looked utterly glam all the same.
That Guy Over Here
Colin Farrell caught up with some cronies while celebrating The Penguin‘s 24 Emmy nominations.
