Koch was recognized for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2025 Emmy Awards, marking a major breakthrough in a rising career already marked by buzzworthy performances, and a certain shirtless viral moment that fans won’t soon forget.
Photo: Netflix
A Standout Performance in a Haunting Story
The nine-episode Netflix limited series, part of Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, revisits the infamous 1989 Beverly Hills murders committed by the Menendez brothers, who claimed years of parental abuse in their defense. Koch played Lyle, the elder brother, with unnerving precision and unexpected emotional depth, earning him earlier accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination.
His co-stars Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny also received Emmy nods for their supporting roles, while the series itself landed a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
From Screen to Courtroom: A Real-Life Impact
The Emmy buzz arrives on the heels of renewed legal developments in the Menendez case. Just nine months after Monsters debuted, a California judge responded to a resentencing petition by reducing the brothers’ sentences to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. The decision followed mounting public interest sparked by the show and a subsequent Netflix documentary.
Lyle and Erik Menendez are expected to appear before the California Parole Board this August. The show’s resonance with viewers and lawmakers alike is a reminder of the power scripted drama can wield beyond entertainment, particularly in revisiting stories of justice and trauma through a modern lens.
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez in episode 202 of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Photo: Netflix Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez in episode 202 of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Photo: Netflix
What’s Next for Koch?
While Emmy voters are finally paying attention to Koch’s work, so is the film world. The actor has reportedly joined the cast of Artificial, the next project from celebrated queer director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers). Deadline reports Koch will appear alongside Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov in the upcoming film, though plot details remain tightly under wraps.
If Koch continues his current trajectory, balancing prestige TV, festival-circuit cinema, and the occasional cheeky viral moment, he’s set to become a fixture in Hollywood’s next generation of leading men. And now, with an Emmy nomination under his belt, that ascent is officially in motion.
Ayo Edebiri, known for her breakout roles in The Bear and Bottoms, isn’t shy when it comes to sharing personal stories. In a recent interview, the actress revealed the details of her first kiss, which happened at a party during her younger years. The moment occurred while playing a game of spin the bottle at a friend’s house. “My first kiss was in my friend’s house playing spin the bottle, and then I lied and told everybody that that wasn’t my first kiss, but it was,” Edebiri shared with a laugh.
A Laughter-Filled Conversation About Her First Kiss
When asked whether the kiss was memorable, Edebiri responded with a playful “no,” admitting that it wasn’t a particularly good one. The conversation then turned to whether she saw the person again after the kiss, with Edebiri revealing that while they weren’t close friends, they were still friendly. “Yeah, well, we’re not like friends still, but we’re still friendly,” she said.
The interviewer then cheekily asked, “So, he’ll see this and know that it was him?” Edebiri, after a brief pause, stuttered and laughed before delivering a surprising twist: her first kiss was with another girl. “She will see this and know that it was her,” Edebiri confirmed, adding a touch of humor to the exchange.
Edebiri, who portrayed queer teen Josie in the 2023 comedy Bottoms, is no stranger to playing LGBTQ+ characters. Despite her growing public profile, she has remained relatively private about her dating life and sexuality. However, she has addressed her experiences as a queer woman in Hollywood, acknowledging the challenges of being one of the few women of color or queer people in certain spaces. In a previous interview with Kolor magazine, Edebiri reflected on this, saying, “often you’ll find yourself being one of the few women of color in a room or queer person” while working in the industry.
Beyond her acting career, Edebiri has also shown her support for the queer community. She recently participated in a poll by Autostraddle, a website dedicated to queer women, in which 78 queer writers, actors, and filmmakers listed their favorite lesbian films. Her involvement in the poll highlights her connection to the queer culture and her advocacy for its representation in media.
Upcoming Projects
Ayo Edebiri’s career continues to rise, with her upcoming role in Luca Guadagnino’s film After the Hunt generating much anticipation. As her career blossoms, Edebiri remains a prominent voice for both the queer and women of color communities in Hollywood.
The 97th Academy Award nominations have been announced, and while the list features several LGBTQ+ triumphs, including the historic recognition of Emilia Pérez and its star Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly trans actor nominated for Best Actress, there were notable snubs for queer-centered films and performances. Among the highlights of this year’s Oscars, Emilia Pérez made waves by breaking the record for most nominations by a foreign film, with 13 total nominations. However, despite significant contributions from LGBTQ+ artists and stories, some standout queer films and performers were unexpectedly left out. Here’s a look at the biggest LGBTQ+ snubs of the 2025 Oscars.
‘Will & Harper’ – A Powerful Documentary Overlooked
Perhaps the biggest queer snub of 2025, Will & Harper tells the deeply moving story of comedian Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele, who came out as transgender after decades of friendship. The documentary tracks their emotional 17-day road trip across the U.S., offering a poignant exploration of gender identity, friendship, and the resilience of the trans community. The film, widely praised for its honesty and warmth, was a bright spot in a difficult year for trans Americans. It highlighted the strength of queer relationships and the ever-evolving nature of self-identity. Despite critical acclaim, Will & Harper was shut out of all Oscar categories, a surprising omission for a film that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
‘Challengers’ – No Nominations for Luca Guadagnino’s Queer Masterpiece
Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, was heralded by many as the best queer film of 2024. The story, centered around a complex love triangle set against the backdrop of professional tennis, earned rave reviews for its direction, writing, and performances. The film’s talented cast, including Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, gave standout performances that many believed were deserving of Oscar recognition. However, Challengers was completely shut out, failing to secure a single nomination. The film’s blistering score, crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, also went unrecognized, despite being a standout element of the film. This lack of acknowledgment has left many fans and critics wondering why such an acclaimed film was ignored by the Academy.
Josh O’Connor, Zendaya and Mike Faist arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Challengers’ held at Westwood Village Theater on April 16, 2024 in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto / Shutterstock
Daniel Craig for Queer – Snubbed for an Oscar-Worthy Performance
Another major snub this year was Daniel Craig’s performance in Queer, a second queer film directed by Luca Guadagnino. Craig, known for his role as James Bond, delivered what many critics called the best performance of his career in this deeply emotional and visually stunning film. Queer follows an American expat living in 1940s Mexico City who embarks on a complex relationship with a younger man. Craig’s portrayal of a man grappling with love and identity was powerful, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. However, despite widespread critical acclaim, the Academy chose not to recognize Craig’s exceptional performance, leaving him out of the Best Actor race entirely.
‘Love Lies Bleeding’ – Katy O’Brian’s Breakout Role Deserves Recognition
In Love Lies Bleeding, Katy O’Brian delivered an explosive performance as a troubled and rage-filled bodybuilder who struggles with her identity and the search for love and acceptance. Directed by Rose Glass, this in-your-face film showcased O’Brian’s remarkable range, with a performance that was unlike any other seen this year. As the troubled protagonist, O’Brian’s portrayal of emotional turmoil and physical strength captivated audiences and critics alike. Many expected O’Brian to earn a nomination in the Best Actress category for her transformative role, but the Academy overlooked her, making her one of the most surprising snubs of the year.
A Year of Queer Triumphs, but Also Missed Opportunities
While the 2025 Oscars showcased some incredible LGBTQ+ achievements, including Emilia Pérez making history with Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender actor nominated for Best Actress, there were numerous snubs that highlighted the gaps in recognition for queer films and performances. While Emilia Pérez and Wicked earned well-deserved nominations, the absence of key LGBTQ+ voices from the final list left many in the community feeling overlooked.
The snubs of Will & Harper, Challengers, Daniel Craig, and others highlight a persistent issue within the Academy — a lack of full recognition for the diversity of queer experiences. Although the Oscars have come a long way in terms of representation, these missed opportunities reflect that much work remains to be done in ensuring that all stories, especially those from marginalized communities, are given the recognition they deserve.
As the industry moves forward, it is crucial that the visibility and impact of queer stories continue to grow, ensuring that future awards seasons include and celebrate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ cinema and performance. While the 2025 Oscars were historic in many ways, the omission of so many deserving films and performers serves as a reminder that progress in Hollywood is still an ongoing journey.
