Cristin Milioti is officially an Emmy Award winner. On September 14, 2025, she earned her first-ever Emmy, winning Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her role as Sofia Gigante in HBO’s The Penguin.
Milioti’s powerful performance stood out in a tough category. She triumphed over Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer), Meghann Fahy (Sirens), Rashida Jones (Black Mirror), and Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex). In her emotional acceptance speech, Milioti described the role as both “grisly” and a “bright spot” in her career.
A Bright Spot in a Dark Role
During her acceptance at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Milioti shared that she wrote her speech on the back of therapy notes. With tears in her eyes, she thanked the show’s cast, crew, and her family.
She admitted the role felt dark yet life-changing. The Cristin Milioti Emmy winner explained that playing Sofia “felt like flying” and praised The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc for shaping the project into something unforgettable.
A Big Night for The Penguin
The Emmy win added to a remarkable night for The Penguin. The series scored 24 nominations across major categories, confirming its impact as a bold spin-off of The Batman universe. Critics praised the show for its gritty storytelling and strong performances. Moreover, Milioti’s layered portrayal of Sofia Gigante quickly became one of the standout roles of the season.
In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Milioti admitted she felt overwhelmed by the number of nominations. “You never know how these things are going to go,” she said. “I’m so thrilled that so many members of our incredible crew got nominated.”
What’s Next for Cristin Milioti
With her first Emmy now secured, Milioti continues to prove her versatility. In addition to her breakout in The Penguin, she has delivered acclaimed work in Black Mirror. Therefore, her career momentum shows no signs of slowing, and she is quickly becoming one of television’s most exciting talents.
The 2025 Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. For the complete list of winners and nominations, visit the Emmys Official Site.
