Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has secured her very first Primetime Emmy Award. The honor comes for her artistry as a costume designer on “Beyoncé Bowl,” the Western-themed NFL halftime show that streamed on Netflix during Christmas Day’s Ravens vs. Texans game. Her win in the category Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program marks her long-awaited entry into Emmy-winning territory.
A Moment Years in the Making
After 10 previous Emmy nominations without a win, Beyoncé’s victory is poetic. She joins forces with her creative team—including Shiona Turini, Erica Rice, Molly Peters, Chelsea Staebell, and Timothy White—who all share in the Emmy recognition.
“This is historic,” said one observer. “It feels like Beyoncé has unlocked a new door.” While not a direct quote from Beyoncé, the sentiment reflects widespread enthusiasm surrounding her win.
This Emmy is part of the juried awards announced early—specialized honors chosen by expert committees rather than through traditional voting. These categories typically focus on technical and creative achievements and rarely spotlight major celebrities.
Halfway to EGOT—and More Emmys Possible
With this Emmy added to her 35 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé now stands halfway to EGOT status—the rare talent who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Of those four, she still needs a Tony and an Oscar to complete the quartet.
She remains in the running for two additional Emmy categories at the upcoming Creative Arts Emmy ceremony: Outstanding Variety Special (Live) and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special.
Adding a compelling twist, her husband, Jay-Z, is also competing—he’s nominated as executive producer for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, which is up for the variety special award.
Behind the Show: Why ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ Stood Out
In December 2024, Beyoncé headlined the first NFL Christmas-Day halftime show in her hometown of Houston, streaming on Netflix. Dubbed “Beyoncé Bowl,” the performance was a bold tribute to Texan rodeo culture and Black Southern and Western heritage. It included the live debut of songs from her Cowboy Carter album and featured more than 500 performers—from country artists to marching bands to guest stars like Post Malone and her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
The show shattered viewership records. It became the most-watched NFL game since 2001, drawing peaking audiences of 27 million on Netflix; within 10 days, an additional 50 million viewers streamed the special.
At this year’s 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, attention shifts to the remaining nominations. Will Beyoncé add more Emmys to her portfolio? And what will it mean for her long-term EGOT pursuit? Industry pundits are watching closely.