Bryan Cranston Wins 2025 Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy, Beating Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese

Bryan Cranston Wins Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Defeating Big Names

In a surprise turn of events at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys, Bryan Cranston emerged victorious in the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category. The seasoned actor secured the win for his portrayal of CEO Griffin Mill in Apple TV+’s hit show, ‘The Studio’. Cranston’s performance beat out renowned figures like Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Dave Franco, and Anthony Mackie, all nominated in the same category.

The star-studded event at the 77th annual awards saw Cranston’s absence from the ceremony, with presenter Gwendoline Christie accepting the award on his behalf. Alongside Cranston, other notable nominees included Jon Bernthal from ‘The Bear’ (FX on Hulu), as well as key players from ‘The Studio’ like Franco, Howard, Mackie, and Scorsese. The awards show, celebrating excellence in television, will air on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. ET on FXX.

Cranston’s character, Continental Studios CEO Griffin Mill, offers a refreshing take on the industry in ‘The Studio’. His interactions with Seth Rogen’s character and the comedic elements introduced in the series have resonated with viewers. This victory marks Cranston’s 16th Emmy nomination, having previously clinched awards for his role as Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’ and as a producer on the show.

Outside his acting accolades, Cranston takes pride in his daughter Taylor Dearden’s work on the Emmy-nominated series ‘The Pitt’. The actor commended his daughter’s performance in a recent exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, showcasing the family’s talent across the entertainment industry.

Jon Bernthal, another nominee in the guest actor category, captured hearts with his portrayal of Michael “Mikey” Berzatto in ‘The Bear’. His poignant performance, particularly in the episode “Napkins”, highlighted his exceptional acting prowess. The actor, nominated for his work on the show’s previous season, secured his first Emmy win last year for a standout performance.

Meanwhile, Dave Franco’s humorous depiction of himself on ‘The Studio’ added a layer of entertainment to the series. Despite his initial uncertainties about the nomination, Franco’s cameo resonated with fans and brought a unique charm to the show. The actor expressed his surprise and gratitude for the recognition in a candid chat with PEOPLE.

Ron Howard, a seasoned figure in the industry, received his first-ever Emmy nod for acting for his role in ‘The Studio’. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Howard’s performance showcased his versatility as an actor. The tension-packed scenes and his on-screen persona added depth to the series, earning him critical acclaim.

Anthony Mackie, known for his diverse roles, played a fictionalized version of himself in ‘The Studio’. His nuanced portrayal of the star and producer in the show’s episode “The Note” highlighted his adaptability as an actor. Mackie’s nomination marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his range and talent to a wider audience.

Martin Scorsese’s foray into acting in ‘The Studio’ brought fresh energy to the series. The legendary director’s portrayal of himself added depth to the storyline, creating memorable moments for viewers. Scorsese’s first-time nomination in the acting category marks a new chapter in his illustrious career, adding another feather to his cap of accomplishments.

The 2025 Creative Arts Emmys unveiled a plethora of talent and celebrated exceptional performances in the television landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, standout actors like Bryan Cranston and his fellow nominees reflect the diversity and innovation prevalent in today’s entertainment sphere. With the main awards show set to broadcast, audiences can anticipate more surprises and accolades for the creative minds shaping the future of television.