Sep 14
Antoni Porowski Reflects on Emmy Win and "Queer Eye" Journey in Heartfelt Instagram Post
READ TIME: 7 MIN.
On September 7, 2025, Netflix’s “Queer Eye” clinched its seventh Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program at the 77th Creative Arts Emmys, solidifying its legacy as a groundbreaking series in LGBTQ+ representation and reality television. The win marks Antoni Porowski’s second Emmy as a producer and cast member, a role he has held since 2023, alongside fellow Fab Five stars Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, and newcomer Jeremiah Brent. The series, which relaunched in 2018, has redefined reality TV by blending personal transformation stories with authentic queer visibility and advocacy.
Netflix confirmed in July that “Queer Eye” will conclude after its upcoming tenth season, prompting emotional responses from fans and cast alike. Tan France expressed gratitude for the “long, beautiful journey,” echoing the sentiment of a team that has changed lives and challenged norms through heartfelt storytelling and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people.
Following the Emmy win, Antoni Porowski took to Instagram to share a deeply personal post reflecting on his journey with “Queer Eye.” He posted an older photo and audio of the moment he received the call offering him the role in 2017—a life-changing event that would shape his perspective on the world and its people. Porowski wrote, “The morning I got this very call in 2017 would change the course of my life, how I navigate through and see the world & its people, all thanks to a group of executives and creatives who saw something in me I had yet to acknowledge.” He openly acknowledged the anxieties and challenges he faced when joining the cast, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and the support he received from loved ones.
Porowski continued, “My journey to Queer Eye was challenging and one I’ll share about one day, but I’d be remiss not to mention the advice given from someone very special in my life at the time: if someone is gonna get the part, why the hell not you? Go show them who you are. I am eternally grateful I did.” The post drew emotional reactions from castmates and fans, with Tan France and Jonathan Van Ness expressing their love and support in the comments.
Since its debut, “Queer Eye” has become synonymous with empowerment, empathy, and authentic queer representation. Each season, the Fab Five help “heroes” navigate personal transformation, offering expertise while sharing their own experiences as LGBTQ+ people. Porowski’s role as culinary expert has been pivotal in breaking down stereotypes and creating approachable, affirming spaces for queer and trans viewers.
Porowski, who is of Polish-Canadian descent, has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, especially in countries where queer acceptance remains fraught. His openness about his sexual fluidity and relationships—including his recent Instagram announcement with boyfriend Zacharias Niedzwiecki—has helped normalize LGBTQ+ relationships for a global audience.
The series’ seven Emmy wins reflect not only its popularity, but its profound impact on media and society. “Queer Eye” has consistently won acclaim for its ability to bridge divides and foster understanding, earning 25 awards and 74 nominations throughout its run. As the show prepares to end with its tenth season, advocacy groups and fans are celebrating its contribution to queer visibility.
As “Queer Eye” enters its farewell season, Porowski continues to expand his influence in media and advocacy. He is currently developing a Netflix feature film with “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, inspired by his own dating experiences as a sexually fluid man. His work as a cookbook author and his hosting duties on National Geographic’s “No Taste Like Home” further solidify his role as a cultural ambassador for LGBTQ+ communities.
