Tramell Tillman became the first Black man to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Tillman is also the first openly gay Black man to earn a nomination and a victory in supporting drama actor. The category was the only acting field where a Black performer never won in the 77-year history of the Emmys.
In the catergory, Tillman was up against his co-stars Zach Cherry and John Turturro. Alsom Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs and Sam Rockwell from The White Lotus, and James Marsden from Paradise.
Tillman, who stars as Milchick in the Apple TV+ series, Severance, expressed his gratitude for the honor.
“You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for, do the work, show up,” Tillman said. “And most importantly, for the love of God, don’t embarrass me in public.’
Tillman said, “My first acting coach was tough, y’all, but all great mothers are. Mama, you were there for me when no one else was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you. Thank you to the Academy. I’m full… And as my mama would say, ‘look at God.’”
In his Variety cover story in August, Tillman spoke about the possibility of winning his first Emmy.
“Do I feel a weight? No. I feel honored to join the legacy of these incredible storytellers,” he said.” I’m ambitious and would love an Emmy, but I’ve learned it’s not up to me.
After the ceremony, TIllman spoke about the importance of having his mother with him.
“It’s a dream,” he told Live From E!: 2025 Emmys host Zuri Hall.“She’s the reason that I’m here in so many ways, and to be able to have this moment—to bring her here. I think it’s such a lesson.”
Along with Tillman’s historic win, Severance earned a total of 27 nominations.
This year ,Tillman appeared in the summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. He’s also slated to star in Good Sex” opposite Natalie Portma in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”