Tramell Tillman wins Emmy for Severance, historic Black milestone

Tramell Tillman won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series on Sunday night for his portrayal of Seth Milchick on Apple TV Plus's Severance, delivering an acceptance speech that paid tribute to his mother and marking a milestone that multiple outlets described as a historic first for Black performers in the category. The award was presented during the 2025 Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Tillman, who was competing against fellow Severance castmates Zach Cherry and John Turturro and nominees James Marsden, Sam Rockwell, Jason Isaacs and Walton Goggins, rose to the stage after Jude Law and Jason Bateman announced the winner. In his speech, Tillman urged focus and humility, saying, "You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for. Do the work. Show up, and most important, for the love of God, don't embarrass me in public." He then turned to his mother in the audience and added, "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."

Tillman’s Milchick is a Lumon Industries middle manager whose measured charm masks a more controlling...