Mariska Hargitay leads the 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
Host Mariska Hargitay opened the 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026, while The Pitt emerged as the frontrunner for best drama. The ceremony also spotlighted a race for best comedy between Hacks and Widow’s Bay.
Performers arrived on the red carpet outside the Peacock Theater ahead of the scheduled 8 p.m. Eastern time broadcast, including nominees Chase Infiniti from The Testaments and Alan Cumming from The Traitors.
If the hospital drama secures the trophy, the production will become the first title to win the drama category across its initial two seasons since Mad Men achieved that same television feat in 2009 after several rounds of voting. Meanwhile, the comedy field pitted newcomer horror series Widow’s Bay directly against established winner Hacks.
Hargitay launched the stage broadcast through an energetic parody performance set to the melody of I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.
Dan Levy prepared a tribute for the broadcast honoring actress Catherine O’Hara. Levy stated that working with her on Schitt’s Creek offered master classes in comedy, character performance, and screenwriting.
Critical attention centered heavily on nominations earned by Pluribus, Widow’s Bay, and DTF St. Louis. Television academy voting determined the final results. The ceremony began.
Actor Riz Ahmed wore a dusty-blue Loewe suit designed with an oversized silhouette on the arrival carpet. Musician David Byrne inspired similar fashion structures in past decades.
Unusual competition defines the variety series category
The variety series category emerged as an unpredictable ballot item for academy voters.
The ballot omitted regular candidates such as Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, Saturday Night Live, and The Daily Show from this specific prize group. Voters evaluated an alternate roster of network productions instead.
Karolina Wydra stated that daily meditation and spiritual focus enabled her preparation to play Zosia in Pluribus after a hiatus from acting.
Hargitay selected a red sequined gown created by fashion label Monse for her entrance. The styling paid homage to the wardrobe worn by her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in the 1956 release The Girl Can’t Help It.
Levy arrived in a double-breasted Celine tailored suit featuring broad lapels. Designer Michael Rider created the custom ensemble for the actor. The collaboration highlighted personal creative partnerships on the carpet.
Lisa Rinna showcased a necklace inspired by her participation in reality program The Traitors. Rinna stated that she would bestow good fortune upon Lisa Kudrow during the evening.
Carey Mulligan attended wearing a blue dress from fashion house The Row covered in miniature white floral accents.
Keri Russell received an acting nomination for drama series The Diplomat while wearing a halter gown by label Khaite. The leather styling reflected motorcycle apparel aesthetics.
Comedy frontrunner Widow’s Bay accumulates early trophies
Newcomer horror-comedy Widow’s Bay captured eight early trophies across preliminary presentations dedicated to lighting design, camerawork, and technical achievement.
The production secured technical honors alongside the prize for best comedy casting. Casting wins accurately signaled the eventual best comedy series victor in nine out of the past 11 awards cycles.
Actor Shawn Hatosy expressed optimism regarding celebration plans for the cast of The Pitt. The hospital series accumulated a high nomination tally across multiple major fields. Celebrations awaited the final vote announcements.
Shailene Woodley wore a Balenciaga ensemble consisting of wide trousers, a light blue top, and burgundy opera gloves. The silhouette contrasted with traditional awards gala attire.
Nicole Kidman selected an off-the-shoulder Chanel design adorned with 46 handcrafted flowers made of silk crepe, organza, and raffia.
Chase Infiniti entered the venue in a metallic Louis Vuitton dress following her nomination for drama series The Testaments. The appearance continued her season of high-profile ceremony red carpets.
Supporting actor nominee Gerran Howell noted the cultural resonance generated by The Pitt among hospital workers. The British actor suggested that healthcare systems in the United Kingdom could inspire similar dramatic series. The commentary emphasized clinical realism on screen.
Ayo Edebiri wore a pale blue Chanel creation accented by hidden orange ribbons designed by creative director Matthieu Blazy. The garment reflected recent aesthetic changes at the French luxury house.
Alan Cumming walked into the auditorium sporting polished white jazz footwear.
Marcello Hernández selected a miniature bow tie for his red carpet tuxedo. Hot Ones presenter Sean Evans chose oversized neckwear for the same entrance.
Hannah Einbinder appeared in a two-piece black ensemble designed by Calvin Klein following its debut at New York Fashion Week.
Selena Gomez wore a metallic ensemble referencing statuette styling at the auditorium. Megan Stalter previously displayed a similar conceptual visual theme during red carpet arrivals.
Connor Hines recounted that viewers of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette changed their personal dating practices after observing the historical romantic narrative.
