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“The White Lotus” Overlooked at 2025 Emmys
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2025, promised to be a landmark evening for HBO’s “The White Lotus.” After a critically acclaimed third season that featured nuanced LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, the series was among the most-nominated dramas of the year. The show received multiple nods for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series—including nominations for Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, and Aimee Lou Wood—as well as recognition for directing, writing, and title design.
However, as winners were announced, “The White Lotus” repeatedly came up short in key categories. While Carrie Coon secured a nomination for her role as a complex, bisexual protagonist, the award ultimately went to another performer, and none of the nominated supporting actresses from the series took home the statuette. The show also missed out on trophies for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing, despite widespread industry predictions of victory.
The show has been celebrated for its authentic queer characters and its willingness to explore issues of identity, privilege, and desire without resorting to stereotypes. Murray Bartlett, who won an Emmy for the first season, helped set the tone for the show’s inclusive approach; more recent seasons have continued this legacy by weaving LGBTQ+ storylines into the fabric of its international ensemble casts.
Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates. The hashtag #WhiteLotusSnub trended on X (formerly Twitter) throughout Emmy night, with thousands of viewers sharing their disappointment, as well as their appreciation for the show’s storytelling and performances.
‘The White Lotus’ fans furious over Patrick Schwarzenegger Emmys snub: “I will not forgive them” https://t.co/sL4gcPGXOg
— NME (@NME) July 17, 2025
Many posts highlighted the importance of seeing LGBTQ+ characters in complex, fully realized roles. One widely shared X post read, “The White Lotus gave us queer characters we could root for—not just sidekicks or tragic figures, but messy, funny, beautiful leads. That’s a win, no matter what the Emmys say” (X: @LGBTQWatch, accessed September 15, 2025).
The show’s creators and cast also responded graciously. In an Instagram post the morning after the ceremony, creator Mike White wrote, “Awards are wonderful, but the real reward is seeing how these stories resonate with so many people—especially those who have waited too long to see themselves on screen” (Instagram: @mikewhite, posted September 15, 2025).
This year’s Emmys snub is not an isolated incident. Despite progress in LGBTQ+ representation—in both on-screen roles and behind the scenes—industry recognition has often lagged behind popular and critical acclaim. Recent GLAAD reports indicate that while the number of LGBTQ+ characters on television continues to rise, awards recognition for these roles and the creators behind them remains inconsistent (GLAAD, glaad.org, published 2025).
