Sarah Paulson opens up about Emmy snubs of 2025 

Sarah Paulson was in New York for the Tribeca and Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program. The rooftop of the Greenwich Hotel turned into a gathering space for jurors like Meghann Fahy, Kaitlyn Dever, Allison Janney, Payal Kapadia, Issa Rae, and Jenny Slate. The atmosphere was both relaxed and serious, since the event would name the winners of this year’s program. Karishma Dev Dube and MG Evangelista were announced for the short film Strangers, a story about two newlyweds learning intimacy within an arranged marriage.

That evening was about young voices. Yet, in the middle of the celebration, Paulson spoke with Variety and shifted the conversation toward the Emmy Awards of 2025. The connection might seem unusual at first, but it made sense. On one side, new filmmakers are just beginning to explore ideas. On the other hand, reflections about the industry’s biggest television award.

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The Emmy night of 2025

When asked about the ceremony, Sarah Paulson gave a clear picture of what stood out to her.

“All of those winners were to me, like a communication of people paying attention, not just ticking boxes, but rewarding work based on [real talent]. It was a big night, inspiring speeches and big night for women and performances of people over 40, and maybe it’ll be a big rush in and an influx of stories of people in their 40s and 50s, which is great for me.”

Her words carried more than praise. She underlined the idea that the Emmys were not about routine decisions, but about recognizing real performances. The mention of women and artists over 40 added another layer, pointing to stories that may not always dominate award shows.

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Sarah Paulson on recognition and absences

The conversation did not stop at praise. Sarah Paulson admitted she noticed gaps as well.

“There were many people who won who deserved to win, right? There were a couple of people who I thought should have won, who didn’t win. So my argument is does the value of that work made wildly less important, valuable or worthy because it didn’t get crowned with the statue? And in my mind, the answer is no.”

It was not an attack but a reminder. The value of a performance is not erased because another name was read on stage. For Sarah Paulson, the admiration for that work remains untouched.

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Inspiration from new filmmakers

Her comments about the Emmys connected naturally with her role as a juror. Through Her Lens brought her face-to-face with directors still at the very beginning. She described the feeling of being struck by the purity of their projects. The absence of commercial weight allowed ideas to come forward with honesty. In those conversations, she found a reflection of her own early motivations, a reminder of why storytelling had mattered from the start.

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The strength of a new generation

Sarah Paulson also observed the confidence and curiosity of the program’s participants. Variety reported how she saw them creating with freedom, not worried about formulas or market restrictions. For her, it was proof that imagination continues to push forward despite obstacles. Even when technology and industry changes make filmmaking harder, the next wave of directors is still ready to try.

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Why her words matter

Sarah Paulson’s position in the industry gives her comments weight. Her reflections on winners, absences, and overlooked names come from someone who knows both recognition and its absence. She did not frame the conversation as a complaint. Instead, she emphasized that the meaning of a performance or project cannot be reduced to the result of one night. In a field where awards often dominate the narrative, such a reminder becomes valuable.

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The broader discussion

The 2025 Emmy Awards were remembered for strong speeches, women in focus, and performances from older artists. Sarah Paulson’s remarks added another side to the memory. Awards mark moments, but they do not finish the story of a project. Work that does not receive a statue can still leave a lasting mark on audiences and the industry.

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Conclusion

By addressing both the Emmy Awards and the filmmakers she encountered in Tribeca, Sarah Paulson placed two realities next to each other. The ceremony represented recognition at the highest level, while the program showed the early sparks of creativity. She celebrated the victories of the night, noted the absences, and pointed to the idea that artistic value stands beyond trophies. Her words remain a reminder that performances and stories continue to matter long after the award season lights fade.