The Penguin’s Emmy Nominations: HBO’s Gritty Crime Drama Soars with 24 Nods
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HBO’s The Penguin has taken the television world by storm, securing an impressive 24 nominations for the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards.
As a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), this gritty crime drama has captivated audiences and critics alike with its dark storytelling, stellar performances, and high production value.
The Penguin’s Emmy nominations place it as the second most-nominated show of the year, trailing only Apple TV+’s Severance with 27 nods. This article dives into the details of The Penguin’s nominations, its standout achievements, and what these accolades mean for the series’ legacy.
What Are The Penguin’s 2025 Emmy Nominations?
The Penguin earned 24 nominations across various categories, showcasing its strength in both creative and technical fields.
The series, which follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb’s rise in Gotham’s criminal underworld, has been recognized for its acting, directing, writing, and craft achievements.
Key nominations include Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor for Colin Farrell, and Outstanding Lead Actress for Cristin Milioti. The show’s 17 craft nominations, the highest among all programs, highlight its exceptional production design, cinematography, and prosthetic makeup.
Why Did The Penguin Score So Many Nominations?
The series’ success stems from its compelling narrative and stellar performances. Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin transforms the iconic DC Comics villain into a complex, ambitious mob figure.
Colin Farrell’s unrecognizable portrayal of Oz Cobb, enhanced by Mike Marino’s award-winning prosthetic makeup, has already earned him Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice Awards.
Cristin Milioti’s explosive performance as Sofia Falcone also garnered significant buzz, particularly for the episode “Cent’anni,” which resonated with audiences and critics.
The show’s moody atmosphere and intricate storytelling, paired with HBO’s robust awards campaign, propelled it to a record-breaking 24 nominations for a comic book series, second only to Watchmen’s 26 in 2019.
Which Categories Did The Penguin Dominate?
The Penguin’s nominations span a wide range of categories, reflecting its all-around excellence. Below is a comprehensive table of all 24 nominations, designed to provide a clear and concise overview of the series’ achievements.
Category | Nominee(s) | Episode (if applicable) | Details |
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series | The Penguin | - | Competing against Adolescence, Black Mirror, Dying for Sex, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story |
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Colin Farrell | - | For his transformative role as Oswald “Oz” Cobb |
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Cristin Milioti | - | For her intense portrayal of Sofia Falcone |
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Deirdre O’Connell | - | As Francis Cobb, Oz’s mother |
Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Helen Shaver | “Cent’anni” | Recognized for powerful storytelling |
Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Jennifer Getzinger | “A Great or Little Thing” | Noted for dynamic direction |
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Lauren LeFranc | “A Great or Little Thing” | For compelling narrative craftsmanship |
Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Cindy Tolan, Suzanne Ryan | - | For assembling a stellar ensemble |
Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | - | “Top Hat” | For evocative visual storytelling |
Outstanding Contemporary Costumes | - | - | For period-appropriate and character-driven designs |
Outstanding Production Design | - | - | For immersive Gotham City sets |
Outstanding Picture Editing (3 nominations) | - | - | For seamless storytelling through editing |
Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling | - | - | For authentic character looks |
Outstanding Contemporary Makeup | - | - | For enhancing character depth |
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup | Waldo Mason, Claire Cameron, Heather McMullen, Emma Faulkes, Hannah Eccleston | “After Hours” | For transforming Colin Farrell into Oz Cobb |
Outstanding Music Composition | - | - | For atmospheric score |
Outstanding Main Title Design | - | - | For striking opening sequence |
Outstanding Sound Editing | - | - | For immersive soundscapes |
Outstanding Sound Mixing | - | - | For balanced audio design |
Outstanding Special Visual Effects | - | - | For seamless integration of effects |
Outstanding Stunt Coordination | - | - | For thrilling action sequences |
Outstanding Stunt Performance | - | - | For expertly executed stunts |
How Does The Penguin Compare to Other Nominees?
The Penguin’s 24 nominations make it the top limited series contender, outpacing Netflix’s Adolescence (13 nominations) and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (11 nominations). It also contributed significantly to HBO’s record-breaking 142 nominations in 2025, surpassing Netflix’s 120 and Apple TV+’s 81.
The series’ 17 craft nominations lead all programs, underscoring its technical prowess. Compared to other comic book adaptations, The Penguin’s haul is second only to Watchmen (26 nominations), surpassing WandaVision’s 23 from 2021.
What Makes The Penguin’s Craft Nominations Stand Out?
The series’ 17 craft nominations highlight its technical excellence. The prosthetic makeup team, led by Mike Marino, received widespread acclaim for transforming Colin Farrell into the scarred and bloated Oz Cobb, earning a nomination for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup.
The cinematography for “Top Hat” and production design captured Gotham’s gritty underworld, while the sound editing and mixing created an immersive experience. These nominations reflect the meticulous attention to detail that elevated The Penguin beyond a typical comic book adaptation.
Who Are the Key Players Behind The Penguin’s Success?
Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti lead the acting categories, with Farrell favored to win after sweeping precursor awards. Deirdre O’Connell’s nomination for Supporting Actress as Francis Cobb adds depth to the ensemble.
Showrunner Lauren LeFranc’s writing and vision earned a nomination, while directors Helen Shaver and Jennifer Getzinger were recognized for their work on standout episodes.
The craft teams, including casting directors Cindy Tolan and Suzanne Ryan, also played a pivotal role in the series’ cohesive excellence.
What’s Next for The Penguin at the Emmys?
With the Emmy Awards set for September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, The Penguin is poised for a strong showing.
The series faces stiff competition from Adolescence and Severance, but its critical acclaim (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and awards season momentum make it a frontrunner.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see if Colin Farrell will add an Emmy to his collection and whether The Penguin will claim the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series title.
Some Closing Thoughts:
The Penguin has cemented its place as a television powerhouse with its 24 Emmy nominations.
From its gripping performances to its masterful craftsmanship, the series has redefined what a comic book adaptation can achieve.
As the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards approach, all eyes will be on HBO’s dark and daring drama to see how many statuettes it will waddle away with.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting night for Gotham’s most notorious crime boss.
