Emmys 2025: Why the Squid Game cast was absent

Squid Game

After dominating the 2022 Emmy Awards with a historic sweep of 14 nominations and six wins, Netflix’s Squid Game made a return to eligibility this year with its much-anticipated second season. Yet, to the surprise of many, the Korean thriller failed to secure a single nomination for the 2025 ceremony. Its cast and creators were thus absent from the red carpet.

The snub has raised eyebrows, especially given the massive global attention surrounding season 2, which premiered in late 2024. Speaking to Variety earlier this year, Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria had expressed disappointment at the Academy’s decision.

“Squid Game had an incredible cultural impact. Biggest show in the world. That first season really made Emmy history, and people loved this last season, too,” Bajaria said in July. “I am disappointed for Director Hwang [Dong-hyuk] and the cast. For Director Hwang to not be recognised in that way, considering the amount of audiences around the world who loved it so much and that it really resonated with people… I’m disappointed when it doesn’t get recognised in the way that it should have.”

She further added, “If you’re really looking at excellence in television and excellence in storytelling, it is in every single way. So when you deliver that, yes, it’s surprising when it doesn’t get recognised.”

Although season 2 missed out this year, the franchise is far from finished with the Emmys. Its third and final season, which dropped earlier this summer, will be eligible for the 2026 awards cycle.

Meanwhile, industry chatter continues to swirl about a potential English-language spinoff of the series, which could extend Squid Game’s presence on the awards circuit well into the future.