2026 Emmys Live Blog: Widow's Bay, The Pitt And Other Big Winners, Taylor Swift's Appearance & More
Join me for the entire ceremony!
Welcome To Emmy Night 2026!
Let's kick off the night with some fancy looks at a trio of stars from ABC's Abbott Elementary.
Loving this sparkly blue look from William Stanford Davis, complete with a dragonfly adornment.
Also loving Lisa Ann Walter's look and pose alongside Elaine Hendrix.
And let's also throw some love in the direction of Chris Perfetti and his gorgeous jacket.
Chicago Fire's Miranda Rae Mayo Is Setting Off Alarms
Though Chicago Fire fans may have had to worry about Miranda Rae Mayo's character Stella Kidd on a regular basis, there's no worries about her bringing red-hot flames to the Emmy carpet. Check out this skin-tight, rose-covered look.
Here's hoping she gets to show off the look on the main stage at some point.
The Pitt Stars Are Looking More Fabulous And Less Stressed Than Their Characters
With seemingly everyone who worked on The Pitt's second season up for an Emmy, similar to how it went after Season 1, it's no surprise to see the stars looking especially stylish on the carpet.
Fiona Dourif is wearing one of the most comfortable-looking dresses of the night. No idea if it actually is comfortable to wear it, but I'd like a couch made out of it.
Dr. Santos portrayer Isa Briones could be the queen of a Renaissance Faire in a dress that seems like it would defy color descriptions. Is it gold? Is it green? Is it gorgeous? Yes.
2025 Emmy winner Katherine LaNasa went with a light-blue dress that looks classy, elegant and fit for a 2026 winner. Wishful thinking!
Megan Stalter Is Dressed As...The Emmy Award Itself
Remember last year when Hacks' Megan Stalter showed up at the Emmys in jeans, a white T-shirt and sunglasses? She definitely did not repeat that look in 2026, and instead chose to dress up as a real-life representation of the Emmy trophy, complete with head-to-toe gold paint.
I wish Megan Stalter was my best friend. Don't you all wish she was my best friend tooooo? Here's hoping she makes it to the end of the night without either sweating off all the paint or ripping the wings right off her back.
The Fanning Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
With nominations for Margot's Got Money Troubles and All Her Fault, Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning are showing up to win, but with completely different looks.
Dakota is rocking a strapless two-color look with a dress that hangs down to her feet, while Elle's is strapped, monotoned and brushing across the carpet.
Selena Gomez And Shailene Woodley Stun In Completely Different Ways
Following up on the Fannings, we have two totally unrelated celebs who are also dressed completely differently. It's not quite a theme, but still, work with me. First up is Selena Gomez in a golden mirror ball dress that would totally murder anything in the building.
Man oh man. I don't know if actual gold can pull off that same shade.
Then we have Emmy-winning Paradise star Shailene Woodley, who somehow makes a light blue scoop-necked top work with full-sparkle pants, maroon opera gloves and a multi-colored necklace. I don't get how it all came together, but it did.
Corey Hendrix Is Easily Viable For Best-Dressed Actor
The Bear's Corey Hendrix may not be nominated tonight for his work as Sweeps on the FX dramedy, but if there was a trophy backstage that someone could alter to be a Best Dressed award, then Hendrix probably wouldn't even have any competition. Okay maybe some competition. But still, suaveness is rarely this bright.
Zendaya Hits The Carpet Without Spider-Man Beau Tom Holland
Nominated this evening for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Zendaya made a somewhat rare Summer 2026 carpet appearance without her hubby Tom Holland, after many months of promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day together. Nothing too MJ about this look, which is sparkly, shiny, and sheer at the same time. It's giving euphoria with a lower-case e.
Charlie Hunnam, Shawn Hatosy And More Go Tie-Free For The Win
Nominated tonight for his performance as Ed Gein in Netflix's Monster, Charlie Hunnam looks entirely non-monstrous in a dark suit sans tie, and he's definitely not the only male actor opting out of wearing neckwear for the event, though not everyone is as cavalier with the top button as he is.
The Pitt star Shawn Hatosy went with a more traditional black suit, but also seemed to opt for comfort without a tie. Speaking of comfort, I like that his pants look more on the wider-leg side.
You might not even realize that Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams is missing a tie, because you might be too fixated on that reflective silver suit jacket. Or is it just me?
Macaulay Culkin steered clear of dark colors altogether and went with more of a cream-colored suit for his Emmy attire. And like everyone above, no tie for this guy.
It's Showtime!
Ahhhhh. Now that I've seen so many outfits, it's time for the actual awards. Away we go with a Jalen Brunson cameo first thing and a Joan Jett parody. Definitely half of what we expected. I dunno that I'd have ever guessed that this would be something sung at the Emmys.
Guy Fieri's eatin' a bahn mi.
Fun to see Jean Smart, Jennifer Coolidge and Jeff Hiller joining in on the opening number fun with Mariska Hargitay. We also love TV screens, bay-bay.
Mariska Hargitay Can Command A Room With Wit And Whimsy
While I've been on the "Conan O'Brien should host all the awards shows" train, Mariska Hargitay is already a delight, bringing all the energy and flair to a parody of NIcole Kidman's AMC ad. And this joke...
Dick Wolf isn't even his real name. His real name is Richard Penis.
She also didn't overstay the intro, which rarely happens.
AWARD #1: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Katie O'Flynn (Widow's Bay)
Yesssssss. For all that I predicted Michelle Pfeiffer would take home the gold, Katie O'Flynn crushed it as local weirdo Patricia, and I'm so happy she won. Now for Season 2!
AWARD #2: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Jean Smart (Hacks)
Jean Smart landed her eighth Emmy win to date, and her fifth for Hacks, making it a full sweep for her time as Deborah Vance. Absolutely deserved, even if her fictional daughter Kaitlin Olson didn't win Comedy Guest Star during last weekend's ceremonies.
Sarah Michelle Gellar And David Boreanaz Celebrating 30 Years Since Buffy's Premiere
Despite Gellar's attempt to say she was just 2 years old 30 years ago, we all know the truth. Gotta love that Gellar totally shot down her former co-star's comment about fans wanting Buffy and Angel to get together romantically.
AWARD #3: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie - Matthew Rhys (The Beast In Me)
Will this be his only trophy, or will he also take it home for Widow's Bay?
AWARD #4: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Allison Janney (The Diplomat)
Janney somehow seemed genuinely surprised that she won. That should be categorically impossible, since Janney is technically worthy of winning every award tonight, even those she wasn't nominated for.
AWARD #5: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)
First, gotta love that Mariska Hargitay referred to her Law & Order: SVU character as "America's sweetheart sex cop Oliva Benson." She sells these jokes almost too naturally.
And now....HUZZAH FOR RHEA SEEHORN WINNING AN EMMY! She's who I predicted, but I still didn't necessarily think it would happen, given her lack of wins for Better Call Saul. She gave an excellently frazzled and appreciation-oozing speech, too, with kind words shared for Keri Russell and other nominees, as well as TV mastermind Vince Gilligan.
Rhea was the first winner to get music played during her speech, even though it was cut off shortly after, when it was clear she was wrapping up. I'm glad they pulled back, since it's never great when someone has to yell out their final words.
"Nick Offerman: Erotic Painter" Is The First Awkward Gag Of The Night
I kinda liked hearing what actors' first jobs were, and wasn't so much into the "wordplay" involved with Nick Offerman talking about being an "erotic painter of houses." But kudos to all involved for wrapping it up in under 90 seconds. Unless I blacked out....
Award #6: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Stephen Root (Widow's Bay)
"Holy cow, the money store!" Geezums. Stephen Root is one of the most talented and prolific actors out there, and never ever gets the credit for being one of the most dependable talents in every project he's a part of. But now he's got that Emmy baby!
Also love that story about his grandson giving him props for being nominated in the same category as Harrison Ford.
AWARD #7: Outstanding Reality Competition Program - The Traitors
Alan Cumming could totally join any reality show as the host and it would have a solid chance of winning this category. Okay yeah, The Traitors is good, too. But I'll be shocked if he loses out in the host category.
AWARD #8: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
John Mulaney crushed this presentation, ushering in the night's first highly bleeped moment, as well as the first library book brought up on the stage and read from.
As unpredictable as that might have been, the winner of this category was absolutely foreseen. Noah Wyle will probably sweep this category Jean Smart-style until The Pitt ceases to exist. Will he still have that library book Mulaney gave him, thought?
Rachel Sennott Got Away With An S-Bomb
The censors were on top of John Mulaney, but were late to the button when Rachel Sennott uttered:
Shit.
Maybe they just didn't understand her.
AWARD #9: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Tom Pelphrey (Task)
The most adorable speech of the night so far goes to Tom Pelphrey for this declaration:
And to my favorite actor in this room. Matilda, Daddy loves you. My love, my best friend, my partner: the very pregnant Kaley. Kaley, I love you more than anything, and our family is the crown jewel of my life. Baby girl in that belly, Daddy loves you.
Taylor Swift Is At The Emmys! Or At Least Recorded A Sketch For The Emmys!
After Jalen Brunson appeared in the opening, I had a sneaking suspicion that Mariska Hargitay would bring some of her other extremely famous friends onto the telecast. Did I fully expect Taylor Swift to be one of those friends? Not exactly.
And yet there she was, popping up in a Law & Order: SVU sketch along with Hargitay's TV co-stars. It was fun and feline-filled, even if it ended with the assertion that Taylor Swift would not, in fact, be playing any music at the Emmys. So close.
AWARD #10: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie - Sally Field (Remarkably Bright Creatures)
Sally Field won her fourth Emmy Award for the movie adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, and hilariously botched the author's name immediately, and then joked that she knows what her own name is. Proof that even icons like Field aren't above rattled nerves.
AWARD #11: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Matthew Rhys (Widow's Bay)
Woo! With this win, Matthew Rhys became the first male actor to ever win awards across two different acting categories. And is most deserving for it.
Although Martin Short's faux outrage over losing could almost get its own mini-Emmy.
AWARD #12: Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series - Katie Dippold (Widow's Bay)
It only took 18 years for creator Katie Dippold to see her dream project come to life, but it did, and she won't the flipping Emmy for it. Her speech was great as well, as she opened up by saying she thought if she ever won an Emmy, she'd be humble about it. But then shifted to say:
Standing here now, I promise to all of you that no one will ever step foot in my home without seeing this thing. It will have its own spotlight. It is going to sit on a rotating turntable. I will create a system of mirrors so that no matter where you stand in my home, this is going to be in your direct eyeline.
Here's to many more!
Ghoulies At The Emmys!
Holy crap. Mariksa Hargitay brought up her scream queen horror cred by noting that she was in the sub-classic Ghoulies, and that not being welcomed back to the sequels is what made her take the leap over to TV. A leap well made.
AWARD #13: Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series - Saul Metzstein (Slow Horses)
Big props to Saul Metzstein for the win, and for this excellent speech-ending comment:
Everyone gets up here and says that they had the best crew ever. Simply not true, because we had the best crew ever.
AWARD #14: Outstanding Variety Series - The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert started off the speech by pointing out that his writers were the ones who worked with Mariska Hargitay to write the Emmy jokes. He never forgets the little guys and gals, so to speak.
It also spoke volumes for the entire crowd to get on their feet as the crew walked to the stage, and for Jimmy Kimmel to show his support along with Colbert's former cohorts John Oliver and Jon Stewart.
AWARD #15: Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series - Hiro Murai (Widow's Bay)
Marcello Hernandez did quite possibly the thing I would do if I ever got a chance to present an award: invite celebrities to dinner. In his case, it was Harrison Ford, Zendaya and Tom Holland. I dunno if I could shoot that high.
In any case, Widow's Bay continued its winning streak tonight with Hiro Murai's well-deserved win for directing. I don't think it can be beaten now, and I'm sorry that I didn't have the confidence to predict it months ago.
Michael J. Fox Accepts Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
There's nothing not to love about Michael J. Fox. An actor who hasn't ever allowed his condition to take him away from the job that made him a household name, Fox took the stage with humility and as much grace as one could have, starting off with a self-deprecating joke to the standing crowd about how he had to sit. Some of his jokes were lost in translation, but the fact that he kept making them is a testament to his spirit. Now where's that Family Ties sequel series?
AWARD #16: Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series - Vince Gilligan (Pluribus)
Without skewing directly political, Vince Gilligan spoke in defense of community and agreement and acceptance in the face of anyone who intentionally wants to divide people. Also, woo for Pluribus!
The Dolly Parton Tribute Was Okay
Sally Field came out and shared some kind words about her Steel Magnolias co-star and friend of many years, then introduced country music legend Reba McEntire, who performed Dolly Parton's 1983 track "Appalachian Memories." Not a whole lot of fanfare, but I guess they couldn't put that much attention on Dolly alone before paying respect to others who passed away in the last year.
AWARD #17: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series - DTF St. Louis
I gotta say, I did not expect for HBO's DTF St. Louis to be such a juggernaut in the Limited Series category, with Linda Cardellini and David Harbour already winning their respective Supporting Emmys last weekend. But considering his past fan-favorite series Patriot and Perpetual Grace, LTD did not get any Emmy recognition, I'm perfectly okay with this. Not that I disliked DTF or anything. I guess I just wasn't ready for a show where Richard Jenkins learned about SPH humiliation to get the gold.
The Catherine O'Hara Tribute Was A Hilariously Touching Way To Start The In Memoriam Segment
The trio of Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy were rock-solid in delivering a tribute to one of the greatest comedic performers in modern cinema, Catherine O'Hara. They could do a touring stage show just sharing stories, and I'd be there with bells on. As Culkin put it:
Like a good momma, she always showed up when I asked her to. Because that was Catherine. That's what she did. She showed up. And this is the best that we can do for her tonight. We're showing up for her.
Ugh, I'm not typing through welled-up eyes. YOU'RE TYPING THROUGH WELLED-UP EYES.
Noah Kahan's performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" nicely complemented the video montage of familiar names and faces such as Tim Curry, Hayden Panettiere, James Burrows and more. Every year's segment just gets more and more depressing.
That Rob Reiner Tribute Snuck Up On Me
Through tears and a cracking voice, Jamie Lee Curtis came out and paid additional tribute to the late Rob Reiner, and noted that with his Emmy win for The Bear, he made it a record 48 years between acting Emmys. And who was the one who held it before him? His wildly talented father, Carl Reiner.
That Charlie's Angels Reunion
Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd reunited on the Emmys stage as presenters, and the post-in memorian timing was pretty key, considering they paid tribute to the late Farrah Fawcett and noted her presence on many men's garage walls over the years.
AWARD #18: Outstanding Drama Series - The Pitt
Shockingly enough, tonight's Emmys opted to present the Outstanding Drama Series award before Outstanding Comedy, possibly because exactly no one was surprised by it winning, and the producers wanted to go out on something different-ish. Regardless, R. Scott Gemmill delivered a great speech that spoke to being in the business for the love of storytelling and entertainment, and not for the fame or recognition. See you next year The Pitt. Same time, same event.
FINAL AWARD: Outstanding Comedy Series - Widow's Bay
Mariska Hargitay's favorite vape flavors, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey came out to present the final award and kind of made the argument that they should be considered to host a 2027 awards show. I cannot wait for Brothers. But that's for another time.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, after all the other wins earlier in the evening, WIdow's Bay took home the big prize for comedy, and I could not be more overjoyed. It is nearly unheard of for a horror series of any sub-variety to get traction at award shows, and the streaming hit absolutely crushed out with its debut season. Hopefully it wasn't just a fluke, and the island will continue to deliver...at a cost.
Welp, That's All She Wrote
Was I expecting Mariska Hargitay to come out and announce a surprise musical performance from Taylor Swift? Maybe, maybe not. Well, okay, not, since the Kansas City Chiefs were hosting the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, where the pop star apparently sat next to Tom Cruise. Just in case anyone wondered why HE wasn't at the Emmys.
Thank you to everyone who read these words and followed along throughout the night. Hopefully everything you wanted to win was indeed victorious. Unless you wanted anything but Widow's Bay to win, I guess. UNTIL NEXT YEAR!
Post-Emmys Reflection
Emmy winners have remained a major topic of conversations within the pop culture zeitgeist, particularly forWidow's Bay and Pluribus. Taylor Swift's SVU sketch cameo has definitely also kept fans talking, especially since we know the clues Swift mentioned are indeed legit.
Behind the scenes, Kaley Cuoco shared the love for hubby Tom Pelphrey after his big win for Task, while Stephen Colbert compared his new-ish beard to his former late night cohorts'. Stay tuned for more BTS footage dropping in the coming days.
