The Penguin just did something that the MCU never achieved

The Penguin TV series was both a critical and commercial hit, and now the show has achieved something for DC that Marvel has never managed.

Starring Colin Farrell as Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb, The Penguin debuted on HBO in September of 2024 and immediately received widespread acclaim.

Spinning off from The Batman movie, it was a similarly grounded take on Gotham City’s criminal underworld, with high production values and a cast filled with fantastic actors.

The Penguin was duly rewarded with multiple nominations at the 2025 Emmys, and achieved one win that sets the show apart from its superhero rivals.

DC beats Marvel to first Primetime Emmy

HBO

Cristin Milioti just won best actress in a limited or anthology series for her work as Sofia Falcone in The Penguin, marking the first win for either DC or Marvel at the Primetime Emmys.

Milioti beat off stiff competition from Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer), Meghann Fahy (Sirens), Rashida Jones (Black Mirror), and Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex) to win the award for her acclaimed portrayal of the troubled mob daughter.

It’s a big moment for comic book stories on TV, as while superhero shows have been nominated for Primetime Emmys in the past, they often lose to more serious fare, and are left to make do with the Creative Arts Emmys.

Of the MCU shows, WandaVision came closest to winning one of the big ones, with Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, and Katherine Hahn all receiving acting nods in 2021, and the show nominated for outstanding limited or anthology series.

Disney+

But Wanda and Vision left that ceremony empty-handed, with the show’s three Creative Arts wins coming in production design, costumes, and original music/lyrics.

The Penguin was also successful in multiple creative categories, winning for costumes, makeup, hair, music, sound editing, sound mixing, and visual effects.

Though in spite of all that success, we still don’t know if there will be more Penguin, with Colin Farrell stating Season 2 will only happen if the writers come up with a “great idea”.

For more DC action, find out what we know about The Batman 2 and how The Penguin earned his nickname, plus the status of every upcoming DC movie and show.