When a beloved show like HBO’s The Last of Us heads into award season with a staggering 16 nominations, fans naturally expect it to sweep the night. Based on a groundbreaking video game and praised for its emotional storytelling, the zombie drama had viewers holding their breath for both its onscreen action and Emmy wins. But the outcome left fans stunned as the show managed to walk away with just one trophy. So, how many Emmys did The Last of Us win? Let’s dive into the details.
How Many Emmys Did The Last of Us Win?
The burning question for fans is simple: How many Emmys did The Last of Us win? Despite its 16 nominations, the series secured just one award, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series. While this was a proud win for the team, the result was still a massive upset considering its strong presence across multiple categories.
The series missed out on key awards like Best Drama Series, Lead Actor for Pedro Pascal, and Lead Actress for Bella Ramsey. It was also left empty-handed in categories such as Production Design, Casting, Makeup, Music Supervision, Sound Mixing, and Special Visual Effects.
For a show hailed as one of the best video game adaptations ever made, winning only one Emmy came as a shock to critics and fans alike.
The Last of Us and Its Emmy Nominations

Although it didn’t dominate the Emmy stage, the sheer number of nominations is still a remarkable achievement. Some of the most notable nominations included:
- Best Drama Series
- Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Pedro Pascal
- Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Bella Ramsey
- Guest Actor: Joe Pantoliano, Jeffrey Wright
- Guest Actress: Kaitlyn Dever, Catherine O’Hara
- Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
- Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
- Production Design and Makeup categories
Each nomination highlighted the wide-ranging talent that brought the post-apocalyptic world to life, from acting and writing to behind-the-scenes artistry.
Why Did The Last of Us Win Only One Emmy?
When people ask How many Emmys did The Last of Us win, they often follow up with “why only one?” The truth is that the 2025 Emmy Awards were stacked with fierce competition. HBO itself had multiple nominees in the drama category, including The White Lotus and The Pitt. Other strong contenders like Severance, Andor, and The Diplomat made the race even tougher.
The Emmys often surprise viewers with unexpected wins, and this year was no exception. While fans may be disappointed, industry experts argue that the nominations themselves reflect the show’s incredible impact.
Cast of The Last of Us Season 2

Part of the excitement around the Emmy buzz was tied to the incredible cast of Season 2. The lineup includes both returning favorites and new faces who brought fresh depth to the story:
- Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller
- Rutina Wesley as Maria Miller
- Catherine O’Hara as Gail
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Ezra Benedict Agbonkhese as Benjamin
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Danny Ramirez as Firefly Manny
This star-studded cast continues to make The Last of Us one of the most emotionally resonant and cinematic shows on television.
The Last of Us: A Cultural Impact Beyond Awards

Even though the answer to How many Emmys did The Last of Us win may feel underwhelming, the series has achieved something much bigger. Since its debut in 2023, it has reshaped how audiences view video game adaptations, proving that they can be deeply moving, socially relevant, and award-worthy.
The show also tapped into universal themes of love, loss, survival, and humanity in the face of destruction. Whether or not it swept the Emmys, The Last of Us remains a cultural phenomenon.
FAQs on How Many Emmys Did The Last of Us Win
- How many Emmys did The Last of Us win at the 2025 Emmy Awards?
The series won just one Emmy, for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series. - How many nominations did The Last of Us have?
It earned 16 nominations, including Best Drama, Lead Actor, and Lead Actress. - Did Pedro Pascal or Bella Ramsey win an Emmy?
No. Both were nominated for their lead performances but did not win. - Which category did The Last of Us win in?
The show’s only win was for Sound Editing, recognizing the technical brilliance behind its immersive audio. - Will The Last of Us return for another season?
Yes, Season 2 has already aired, and HBO is expected to continue adapting the game’s story in future seasons.
Conclusion: So, how many Emmys did The Last of Us win? Just one. But while the result surprised many, it doesn’t take away from the series’ profound impact on audiences and the industry. With breathtaking performances, powerful storytelling, and unmatched technical achievements, The Last of Us has already won something more enduring than trophies, the hearts of millions worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Emmy results and details are based on official reports from the 2025 Emmy Awards.