Nate Bargatze definitely caught everyone’s eye at the 2025 Emmy Awards. He was about to introduce Sydney Sweeney, a big name in Hollywood. The 46-year-old comedian ditched the usual formal wear for something completely different on Sunday, September 14. He showed up in a tuxedo made entirely of denim.
"For some reason, I’m wearing a denim tuxedo," Bargatze told the live audience. He played it cool, adding, "Do we have, like, a joke? There’s a sash, and I forgot what it was for… I don’t know. Alright. Please welcome Sydney Sweeney, two-time Emmy nominee." His unique outfit choice certainly sparked chatter and laughter.
Sweeney, 28, then walked out looking stunning in a strapless red satin gown by Oscar de la Renta. The Euphoria star didn’t react to Bargatze’s denim fashion statement. She just stuck to her task, presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Owen Cooper won that night for his role in Adolescence.
Many viewers quickly guessed Bargatze’s denim suit was a playful jab. It was a nod to a recent fuss surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle jeans ad from the month before. Show producer Jesse Collins confirmed this after the awards. "Yes, that was his joke about that," Collins told reporters, as Variety reported on Monday, September 15.
Back in August, Sweeney made headlines because of her American Eagle partnership. The ad’s slogan, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," caused quite a stir. Many fans felt the phrase had a hidden, unsettling meaning. They thought it suggested eugenics, a widely debunked idea about improving human genetics.
American Eagle, however, stood by their campaign. They clarified the message they wanted to send. "’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is about, and always has been about, jeans. Her jeans. Her story," read a statement from the brand. They added, "We will keep celebrating how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, in their own way. Great jeans fit everyone."
Sweeney herself has kept quiet about the whole drama. She was out promoting her new movie, Christy. The actress refused to answer questions about the jeans campaign. "I’m here to support my film and the people involved in making it," she told Vanity Fair in a September profile. This was before the Christy Martin biopic debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. She stated firmly, "I’m not here to talk about jeans. The film is about Christy, and that’s what I’ll discuss."
Even though Sweeney hasn’t publicly addressed the ad’s controversy, a source gave some insight. This insider told Us Weekly that Sweeney is focusing on her upcoming work. "Sydney thinks this whole thing has been blown out of proportion," the source explained. "She’s putting her energy into work. This includes getting back to the Euphoria set with her castmates."
