On Sunday night at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Stephen Colbert took center stage as a presenter, receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the audience.

This moment was especially poignant following the shocking announcement earlier this year that CBS would be canceling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”

The crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Stephen! Stephen! Stephen!” underscored the deep respect and affection the entertainment community holds for the late-night host.

Colbert’s appearance was marked by his signature blend of humor and humility.

As he stepped up to present the award for lead actor in a comedy series, he quipped, “While I have your attention, is anyone hiring?” pulling out a resume complete with a vintage headshot.

The moment was both playful and self-aware, as he handed the resume to Harrison Ford, hoping the legendary actor might pass it along to Steven Spielberg.

This lighthearted bit was a reminder of Colbert’s enduring wit even amid uncertain times.

Later in the evening, when “The Late Show” won the Emmy for outstanding talk series, Colbert returned to the stage to deliver an electrifying victory speech.

His gratitude was palpable as he thanked CBS for “giving us the privilege to be part of the late-night tradition, which I hope continues long after we are no longer doing this show.”

The host also announced that he will be concluding his tenure on “The Late Show” with a final episode slated for May 2026, marking the end of an era for the beloved program.

Reflecting on the decade-long journey since he took over the iconic franchise from David Letterman in 2015, Colbert shared a heartfelt anecdote.

He recalled a conversation with director Spike Jonze, who asked him what he wanted the show to be about.

Colbert’s initial answer was “a late-night comedy show about love,” though he confessed uncertainty about whether they ever truly achieved that.

Instead, he revealed, “at a certain point.

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we were doing a late-night comedy show about loss.

” He eloquently connected love and loss, noting that sometimes “the only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.”

In a stirring conclusion to his speech, Colbert expressed his deep patriotism and hope for the future: “Ten years later, in September of 2025, my friends, I have never loved my country more desperately.

God bless America.

Stay strong, be brave, and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor!” The crowd responded with cheers as Colbert pumped his fist in the air, proudly holding his first Primetime Emmy for “The Late Show.”

The Emmy for outstanding talk series was not the show’s first recognition this awards season.

Just the previous Sunday, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” won its first Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding directing for a variety series.

These victories came two months after CBS announced the show’s cancellation, adding a bittersweet note to the accolades.

The cancellation marks the end of the long-running late-night franchise that began in 1993 with David Letterman and was carried forward by Colbert starting in 2015.

The decision to cancel the show has stirred controversy.

It came shortly after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled a lawsuit with the Trump administration and merged with Skydance Media.

The timing has fueled speculation about political motivations, especially given the fraught relationship between Colbert and former President Donald Trump.

Though Trump appeared as a guest on Colbert’s show in 2015, the two have been vocal critics of each other.

Trump seized on the cancellation as a victory, posting on Truth Social, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.

His talent was even less than his ratings.”

However, Trump denied any direct involvement in the decision.

Throughout his career, Stephen Colbert has been a dominant figure in late-night television and political satire.

He has earned an impressive 44 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning 10 for his work on “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.”

Beyond Emmys, his accolades include two Grammys, five Peabody Awards, seven Producers Guild Awards, and four Writers Guild Awards.

His influence on comedy and political commentary is undeniable, making the end of “The Late Show” a significant moment in television history.

Colbert’s tenure on “The Late Show” has been marked by a unique blend of sharp political insight, heartfelt moments, and comedic brilliance.

His ability to navigate the complexities of modern America with humor and empathy has garnered him a devoted audience and critical acclaim.

As he prepares to step away from the show in 2026, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that transcends ratings and awards.

The 2025 Emmy Awards served as both a celebration of Colbert’s achievements and a testament to his resilience in the face of industry upheaval.

His presence on stage, met with such overwhelming support, highlighted the deep connection he has forged with audiences and peers.

As the late-night landscape evolves, Stephen Colbert’s contributions will remain a benchmark for quality, courage, and heart in comedy.

As “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” approaches its final episodes, viewers can look forward to a farewell season filled with the insightful commentary and humor that have defined the program.

Meanwhile, Colbert’s future endeavors, whether on television or beyond, will be watched with keen interest by fans eager to see what this multifaceted entertainer accomplishes next.

In a media environment often marked by rapid changes and uncertainty, Stephen Colbert’s journey reminds us of the enduring power of authenticity, wit, and the courage to speak truth to power.

His Emmy wins this year are not just trophies but symbols of a career that has left an indelible mark on American culture.

As the curtain prepares to fall on “The Late Show,” one thing remains clear: Stephen Colbert’s voice and vision have shaped a generation of television viewers and comedians alike.

His final season promises to be a fitting tribute to a show that was, at its heart, about connection—between host and audience, comedy and reality, and ultimately, love and loss.