Nate Bargatz Emmys opening monologue had a genius plan to keep speeches short

Comedian Nate Bargatz‘ opening monologue as host of the 2025 Emmys featured a genius scheme at its heart: a way to minimise the nemesis of any awards show, which is of course speeches running too long.

“To start the show, I am going to donate $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America,” says Bargatz in the clip above, after making it clear to all Emmy winners that they have 45 seconds for each of their acceptance speeches. “If you stay at 45 seconds, it stays at $100,000. Every second you go over 45 seconds, we will deduct $1000 away from the Boys and Girls Club. I know, I know, it’s tough […] It’s brutal. What are you going to do, though? I can’t change it, this is a game I made up.”

Bargatz goes on to explain that for every second speeches go over 45 seconds, they’ll deduct $1000 from the total, but for every second under they’ll add $1000 back on.

“Don’t go crazy though, ‘cuz like, I am paying for this,” says Bargatz. “Some of you go over a little, some go under. Do the right thing.”

Here’s the full list of Emmys 2025 winners.