Hannah Einbinder Wins Emmy, Sparks Controversy With Political Statement and Eagles Shout-Out

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards took a dramatic turn on Sunday night when Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, fresh off her first-ever Emmy win, used her acceptance speech to deliver a mix of lighthearted sports fandom and pointed political commentary. The 29-year-old actress took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about figures — not only for her talent, but also for the message she left ringing in the ears of millions watching.

Einbinder, visibly emotional but composed, thanked her colleagues and family before wrapping up her remarks with a line that blended the celebratory with the controversial: “Go Birds, f**k ICE, and free Palestine.”

The reference to the Philadelphia Eagles drew cheers and laughter from some in attendance, but the following phrases — one directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the other voicing support for the Palestinian cause — immediately sparked debate. While the vulgarity was muted from the CBS broadcast, clips quickly spread across social media platforms such as Twitter/X, where the unfiltered audio could be heard in full. By Monday morning, the hashtag #HannahEinbinder was trending nationwide.

A Dual Message: Sports Pride Meets Political Protest

The Eagles, Einbinder’s team of choice, are currently enjoying a strong start to the 2025 NFL season. Just hours before her Emmy win, Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20-17 in a gritty rematch of Super Bowl 59, which the Chiefs had won in February. The victory improved the Eagles’ record to 2-0, sparking fresh optimism for Jalen Hurts and the squad.

Einbinder’s timing was deliberate — part celebration of her team’s performance and part platform to express her views on broader global issues. The “Go Birds” cheer played well with fans back in Philadelphia, who embraced the shout-out, but the latter portion of her message divided audiences.

For some, her words symbolized the growing intersection of Hollywood celebrity, sports culture, and activism. For others, particularly critics of politically charged award-show speeches, it represented yet another example of entertainment events being overshadowed by polarizing issues.

Hollywood’s Growing Rift Over Israel-Palestine

Einbinder’s remarks did not come in isolation. They followed the circulation of an open letter signed by more than 3,900 entertainment industry figures, including actors, directors, producers, and crew members. The letter, released just days before the Emmys, pledged not to collaborate with Israeli institutions or companies allegedly “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”

The letter has stirred heated conversations throughout Hollywood, further intensifying longstanding debates about the role of cultural boycotts and celebrity activism in global politics.

CBS parent company Paramount, which hosted the Emmy broadcast, was one of the first major studios to respond publicly. In a carefully worded statement, the network distanced itself from the boycott effort, saying: “We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.”

Paramount’s stance reflected broader anxieties within the industry, where balancing free expression with corporate neutrality has become an increasingly difficult task.

Einbinder’s Position in the Industry

Hannah Einbinder, the daughter of comedian Laraine Newman (an original Saturday Night Live cast member), has quickly risen to prominence through her role as Ava Daniels on HBO’s critically acclaimed series Hacks. The show, which follows the complicated professional and personal relationship between a legendary stand-up comedian and her young writer, has earned multiple Emmys since its debut.

For Einbinder, this year’s victory was a personal milestone — recognition of her comedic timing, acting range, and ability to hold her own alongside veterans like Jean Smart. Yet the political edge of her acceptance speech ensured that her award win would not be remembered solely for its artistic significance.

In recent years, Einbinder has been vocal about her progressive political views, aligning herself with causes related to immigration reform, climate justice, and Middle Eastern human rights. By using the Emmys stage — one of television’s largest global platforms — she cemented her willingness to intertwine her professional visibility with personal advocacy.

Public Reaction: Applause and Backlash

Reaction to Einbinder’s speech has been predictably polarized. Supporters praised her for her courage to speak out, especially in an environment where many stars fear political statements could damage their careers. Fans in Philadelphia, meanwhile, delighted in the unexpected “Go Birds” rally cry from a Hollywood stage.

Critics, however, were quick to accuse her of politicizing an event intended to celebrate artistic achievement. Commentators on conservative networks condemned the expletive directed at ICE as disrespectful to federal law enforcement. Others argued that the “free Palestine” line oversimplified a deeply complex geopolitical conflict.

Online forums and fan sites became battlegrounds for debate, with some users insisting that celebrities should “stick to acting” while others celebrated Einbinder for refusing to remain silent.

The Larger Cultural Context

The controversy underscores a broader trend: award shows are increasingly becoming stages for political expression. From Marlon Brando’s rejection of his Oscar in 1973 to recent calls for climate action, Hollywood figures have long used these events to amplify messages beyond entertainment. Yet in today’s hyper-polarized climate, such gestures often generate sharper divisions than solidarity.

For Einbinder, the risk was apparent. Yet she seemed to accept that her words might provoke backlash. As one social media post summed up: “Hannah Einbinder didn’t just win an Emmy — she won the spotlight, and she used it exactly how she wanted.”

Looking Ahead

Whether Einbinder’s speech will have lasting consequences for her career remains to be seen. HBO has already renewed Hacks for another season, and her role remains central to the storyline. Meanwhile, the Eagles continue their pursuit of another Super Bowl appearance, their success now unexpectedly tied to a viral moment on television’s biggest night.

For now, Hannah Einbinder is both an Emmy winner and a lightning rod — a performer who managed to mix comedy, sports loyalty, and political protest into a single sentence that left the entertainment world buzzing. Love her or loathe her, she has ensured that her first Emmy win will be remembered not just for what she achieved on screen, but for the boldness of what she dared to say off it.