Bella Ramsey, Beyoncé, And Jay-Z: The Biggest Storylines Heading Into The Emmys

The 2025 Emmy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most dramatic nights in television history, and not just because of who walks away with the statues. With history-making nominees, celebrity power plays, and red-carpet wildcards, this year’s ceremony promises fireworks both on stage and off. The Blast obtained exclusive commentary from veteran entertainment and PR expert Lynn Carratt, who says the Emmys will be “as much about who shows up and how as who goes home with statues.” From Bella Ramsey’s groundbreaking nominations to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s high-profile showdown, Carratt reveals the five storylines set to dominate Emmy weekend.

Bella Ramsey, star of HBO’s "The Last of Us," could become the first non-binary actor in Emmy history to claim a win. “They are the first-ever non-binary actor to be nominated for more than one Emmy award. If they win, they will be the first-ever non-binary actor to win an Emmy,” Carratt told The Blast in an email.

Ramsey’s decision to remain in the Lead Actress category, despite their non-binary identity, was intentional. “They chose to stay in that category as a way to ensure their work could be celebrated despite the limitations of gendered awards categories,” Carratt explains, calling the move both political and personal.

But the buzz isn’t limited to the trophies. Rumors are swirling that Ramsey may use the red carpet to go public with rumored partner Maisy Stella. “It could be the perfect time for Bella to hard launch the relationship with Maisy and for them to make their red carpet debut for Hollywood to see,” Carratt added.

For Ramsey, Emmy night could become a trifecta of career triumph, cultural symbolism, and tabloid-worthy spectacle.

Oscar-winner Michelle Williams is also eyeing history. The actress has the chance to win both for her performance and as an executive producer, a feat only 14 women in Emmy history have accomplished.

“She will likely be determined to win… It would see her becoming just the 15th actress ever to achieve a ‘double Emmy,’” Carratt told Covers. A producing win, she adds, would “solidify her reputation as one of the most powerful dramatic talents in Hollywood.”

Carratt points out that Williams’ influence already extends beyond her performances. “Another win would only help strengthen her influence in championing women in Hollywood,” she noted, recalling the actress’s 2019 Emmy speech where she used her platform to demand equal pay for women in the industry.

One of the most surprising developments heading into the Emmys is the success of Seth Rogen’s debut comedy "The Studio," which earned a staggering 23 nominations. But Carratt is skeptical.

“Its sheer number of nominations was a surprise, given its low profile outside of entertainment circles,” she added in her interview with Covers. “It has leaned heavily on its cameo prestige and industry backing… I’m not sure it deserves all the accolades.”

The debate over The Studio could become a defining moment for the Emmys: do voters reward insider buzz and industry muscle, or do they look for impact beyond Hollywood?

For Carratt, one of the most exciting storylines is the surge of U.K. talent breaking into the Emmys. “The UK is set to invade Hollywood this week, with Aimee Lou Wood, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters and Owen Cooper all nominated for their first Emmy awards,” she said.

Stephen Graham’s nomination for "Adolescence" could be the start of a Hollywood takeover. “Stephen’s Emmy nomination is a breakthrough moment in his career… It’s now quickly turning Stephen into a Hollywood powerhouse,” Carratt explained.

Meanwhile, Ashley Walters’ nod highlights one of the year’s most inspiring redemption arcs. “Just over 20 years ago, Walters was leaving prison… But this Sunday he’ll be walking the red carpet at the Emmys as a nominee. His story is down to his sheer resilience and his talent, and he is an inspiration.”

Together, Carratt says, these nominations prove “it is an exciting time for the British acting industry… that talent is getting the recognition it deserves.”

No Emmy storyline rivals the star power of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who will compete directly in the same category. Beyoncé is nominated for her viral “Beyoncé Bowl” Super Bowl halftime show, while Jay-Z is up for producing Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.

“America’s red-carpet royalty are set to go head-to-head,” Carratt said, adding that this isn’t the first time the couple has clashed. “It’s not the first time the couple has gone head-to-head… they’ve done it six times before at the Grammys.”

Still, she predicts a can’t-miss family appearance. “It’s likely they’ll attend… as a family,” Carratt said in an email sent to The Blast.

And as always, the red carpet drama extends to who doesn’t show up. Carratt notes Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner are unlikely to attend, while Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitzare expected to remain low-profile. Meanwhile, feuding co-stars Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins could use the Emmys to put feud rumors to rest.