In a heartwarming and unforgettable moment, Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the on-screen mother-daughter duo from Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, took the stage together at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. The pair, who play the iconic Wednesday and Morticia Addams, captivated audiences with their chemistry and charisma, presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Their appearance was a celebration of their shared journey in the Wednesday universe, highlighting the powerful dynamic between their characters and their real-life bond. As the crowd cheered, the duo’s presence underscored the cultural impact of their series, which has redefined the Addams Family for a new generation.

A Gothic Glamour Moment

The 2025 Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater and hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, were a night of glitz and glamour, but few moments rivaled the electric energy of Ortega and Zeta-Jones’s joint appearance. The duo stepped onto the stage in stunning, gothic-inspired ensembles that paid homage to their Wednesday roles. Ortega, 22, channeled her character’s signature style with a sheer, jeweled gown adorned with multicolored crystals, evoking the eerie elegance of Isabella Rossellini’s character in Death Becomes Her (1992). Zeta-Jones, 55, embodied Morticia’s timeless allure in a dramatic black Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture gown with cascading ruffles and a daring thigh-high slit, perfectly capturing the matriarch’s sophisticated mystique. Their coordinated looks set social media ablaze, with fans praising their ability to bring the Addams Family’s aesthetic to life.

As they took the stage, the chemistry between Ortega and Zeta-Jones was palpable. Their banter was both playful and poignant, reflecting the complex mother-daughter dynamic they portray in Wednesday. Ortega, with her deadpan wit, introduced the category with a nod to the strong women in television, while Zeta-Jones added a touch of humor, joking about their on-screen fencing duel from Season 2, where Morticia bested Wednesday. “I had to remind her who’s the matriarch,” Zeta-Jones quipped, prompting laughter from the audience and a mock eye-roll from Ortega. The moment was a perfect blend of their on-screen personas and real-life camaraderie, showcasing why their partnership has resonated with millions.

The Wednesday Phenomenon

Wednesday, the Tim Burton-helmed Netflix series, has been a global sensation since its debut in 2022, becoming the platform’s most-watched show that year. The series follows Wednesday Addams, played by Ortega, as she navigates life at Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts, while unraveling supernatural mysteries. Zeta-Jones stars as Morticia Addams, Wednesday’s enigmatic mother, whose expanded role in Season 2, released in two parts on August 6 and September 3, 2025, has deepened the show’s exploration of family dynamics. The series’ second season has earned critical acclaim, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 12 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress for Ortega.

The mother-daughter relationship between Wednesday and Morticia is at the heart of Season 2, offering a nuanced portrayal of love, conflict, and mutual respect. In the show, Wednesday struggles with her newfound fame after saving Nevermore, while Morticia, now living on campus as a fundraiser, grapples with her desire to protect her rebellious daughter. Their dynamic is complicated by their differing psychic abilities—Morticia as a “Dove” and Wednesday as a “Raven”—and the arrival of Grandmama Hester Frump, played by Joanna Lumley, which mirrors Morticia’s own strained relationship with her mother. A standout scene in Season 2 features a blindfolded fencing duel between Wednesday and Morticia, symbolizing their emotional push-and-pull while showcasing their physical prowess.

Ortega and Zeta-Jones’s real-life rapport has been instrumental in bringing this dynamic to life. In interviews, Ortega has described Zeta-Jones as a mentor and inspiration, praising her professionalism and warmth. “Catherine is such an overwhelming and intimate performer,” Ortega told ELLE Australia. “She brings so much out of you, and it’s been incredible to share the screen with her.” Zeta-Jones, in turn, has lauded Ortega’s talent and maturity, calling her “a great talent” and a joy to work with. Their mutual admiration was evident on the Emmy stage, where their effortless interplay captivated the audience.

A Historic Night for Wednesday

The 2025 Emmys were a triumphant night for Wednesday, with the series winning three awards, including Outstanding Costume Design for a Contemporary Series and Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series. Ortega, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, missed out to Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary but received a standing ovation for her presentation with Zeta-Jones. The duo’s appearance was a highlight of the evening, with social media buzzing about their chemistry and the emotional weight of seeing Wednesday and Morticia together in such a prestigious setting.

Zeta-Jones took to Instagram post-ceremony, sharing a photo of the pair on stage and writing, “Tonight, we celebrate women who don’t just play roles. They transform into them.” Her caption resonated with fans, who saw the moment as a tribute to the powerful female characters at the heart of Wednesday. The series’ focus on Wednesday’s sharp wit, Morticia’s vulnerability, and their evolving bond has struck a chord with viewers, particularly young women, who relate to the themes of individuality and familial tension.

The Journey to the Stage

Jenna Ortega, born September 27, 2002, in Palm Desert, California, has risen from child actress to global star, earning the title of “Gen Z’s scream queen” for her roles in horror films like Scream (2022) and X (2022). Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams has solidified her as a cultural icon, with her viral dance to The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck” in Season 1 sparking a social media frenzy. Ortega’s commitment to the role extends beyond acting—she served as an executive producer for Season 2, giving her a voice in shaping the series’ direction. Her dedication to authenticity, including her choice not to blink on camera to enhance Wednesday’s eerie demeanor, has been widely praised.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, born September 25, 1969, in Swansea, Wales, brings decades of experience to her role as Morticia. An Academy Award winner for Chicago (2002) and a Tony Award recipient for A Little Night Music (2009), Zeta-Jones has a storied career that spans film, television, and theater. Her performance in Wednesday has been lauded for its depth, with critics noting her ability to balance Morticia’s glamour with vulnerability. In Season 2, Zeta-Jones’s expanded role allows her to explore Morticia’s past, including her strained relationship with her mother, Hester, and her fears of repeating those mistakes with Wednesday.

The pair’s journey to the Emmy stage began with their collaboration on Wednesday, which has grown into a creative partnership. They are set to reunite in The Gallerist, an independent film directed by Cathy Yan, alongside Natalie Portman, slated for release in 2026. Their shared projects reflect a mutual respect and creative synergy, with Ortega calling Zeta-Jones a “legend” and Zeta-Jones describing their collaboration as “a joy.” Their Emmy appearance was a testament to this bond, blending their on-screen chemistry with their real-life admiration.

A Cultural Milestone

The appearance of Ortega and Zeta-Jones at the Emmys was more than a promotional moment for Wednesday—it was a celebration of the Addams Family’s enduring legacy. Since Charles Addams’s cartoons in the 1930s, the family has represented the beauty of individuality and the strength of unconventional bonds. Wednesday reimagines this legacy for a modern audience, emphasizing the emotional complexity of the mother-daughter relationship. Ortega and Zeta-Jones’s portrayal has resonated with viewers, who see echoes of their own family dynamics in Wednesday and Morticia’s struggles.

The Emmy moment also highlighted the series’ cultural impact. Wednesday has inspired fashion trends, with Ortega’s goth-glam style influencing designers and fans alike. The show’s themes of embracing one’s uniqueness and navigating familial expectations have struck a chord, particularly with younger audiences. Zeta-Jones has noted that the Addams Family’s appeal lies in their unapologetic authenticity: “We embrace our idiosyncrasies. It’s OK to be different.” Ortega echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of seeing a family that prioritizes individuality in a world that often demands conformity.

Looking Ahead

With Wednesday Season 3 greenlit for production in November 2025 and a potential release in early 2027, fans can expect more of Ortega and Zeta-Jones’s dynamic. The upcoming season will likely delve deeper into Wednesday’s psychic abilities and Morticia’s protective instincts, building on the emotional foundation established in Season 2. The addition of new cast members, such as Lady Gaga as Rosaline Rotwood, promises to elevate the series further, while the continued involvement of creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar ensures its signature blend of mystery and humor.

Ortega and Zeta-Jones’s Emmy appearance was a milestone in their careers and a testament to Wednesday’s impact. For Ortega, it marked her emergence as a leading voice in Hollywood, while for Zeta-Jones, it reaffirmed her status as a versatile and enduring talent. Their shared moment on stage was a celebration of their craft, their characters, and the universal story of mothers and daughters navigating love, conflict, and growth. As Wednesday continues to captivate audiences, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this gothic saga—and the next time Ortega and Zeta-Jones share the spotlight.