Knicks star Jalen Brunson joins 78th Emmys opening segment
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson recorded a video appearance to launch the 78th Emmys broadcast, which also enlisted country music star Reba McEntire to sing a tribute track honoring Dolly Parton. Viewers will watch both showcase performances unfold at the start and throughout the televised celebration.
Organizers set aside commemorative milestones for historic productions, reuniting actresses Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd and Kate Jackson for the 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Angels alongside actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz marking 30 years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Singer Noah Kahan performs the song Bridge Over Troubled Water during the In Memoriam segment honoring recently deceased industry figures. Julianna Margulies presents the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to actor Michael J. Fox.
Knicks season ticket holder and evening host Mariska Hargitay said prior to an HBO Max party that she wanted the franchise present at the ceremony, promising the basketball player an acting spot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Backstage talks between both camps gained traction after organizers announced the television star as master of ceremonies.
“It is definitely going to happen,” Hargitay stated regarding the athlete’s casting, adding that “he is magnificent in that way, he is open, ready, and I do not think there is much Jalen cannot do.”
Executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay declined to specify details about the guest appearance ahead of showtime. “She has a lot of friends, and her rolodex runs deep,” Collins said regarding the host’s relationship with New York athletic figures.
The pre-recorded sketch starring the New York Knicks guard launches the broadcast and transitions directly onto the main stage. Hargitay steps out surrounded by dancers and fellow performers. She leads the opening monologue.
Actress Sally Field, who starred with Dolly Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, walks on stage to introduce the musical performance by Reba McEntire. Field also attends the gala as a nominee in the outstanding lead actress in a limited series or television movie category for Netflix project Remarkably Bright Creatures.
McEntire leads the NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, maintains a decades-long friendship with Parton and re-recorded the duet Does He Love You with the country icon in 2021.
Performers Linda Cardellini and David Harbour, fresh off limited series acting wins for DTF St. Louis, stand among the designated award presenters. The roster of trophy presenters brings together Odessa A’zion, Macaulay Culkin, Alan Cumming, Sally Field, Jon Hamm, Marcello Hernández, Peter Krause, Dan Levy, Julianna Margulies, Annie Murphy, Niecy Nash-Betts, Keke Palmer, Amanda Peet, Amy Poehler, Florence Pugh, Rachel Sennott and Zendaya.
An additional attendee lineup features Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephen Amell, Awkwafina, Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin, Scott Caan, Emma D’Arcy, Julia Garner, LL Cool J, Shailene Woodley, Hassie Harrison, Paul Anthony Kelly, Thaddeus LaGrone, John Mulaney, Brooks Nader, Emmy Rossum and Sofía Vergara.
Actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson take the stage together to promote the upcoming Apple TV series Brothers. The joint appearance brings renewed attention to backstage rumors regarding possible biological family ties between the two stars.
