The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards brought television’s biggest names to Los Angeles on Monday, with Zendaya and Selena Gomez leading a glamorous blue-carpet arrival at the Peacock Theater.
Metallics emerged as one of the defining looks of the evening. Zendaya, 30, drew attention in a daring silver Prada gown with a plunging neckline, completing the look with a newly cut pixie hairstyle.
The actress was among the evening’s presenters and is also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria.
Gomez, 34, opted for classic Hollywood glamour in a gold mirror Louis Vuitton gown, accessorised with Tiffany & Co diamond jewellery. Her series, Only Murders in the Building, is in contention for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Mariska Hargitay, who hosted the ceremony, made a striking entrance in a shimmering, off-the-shoulder red Monse gown. The Law & Order: SVU star posed on the carpet with her husband, Peter Hermann.
Hargitay’s role as host marked the first time in 15 years that a woman had presented the ceremony. The arrivals took place on a blue carpet rather than the traditional red.
Stars bring contrasting styles to the Emmy Awards
Nicole Kidman, 59, chose a white Chanel dress with feather trim across the bust, pairing it with black heels, while Elle Fanning, 28, appeared in an aquamarine gown featuring fringe detailing.
Kristen Bell wore an ethereal white silk Alberta Ferretti dress with a one-shoulder cape. Sarah Michelle Gellar opted for a vivid pink dress and was joined by her former Buffy The Vampire Slayer co-star David Boreanaz.
Emmy Rossum selected a plunging black gown, while The Pitt star Supriya Ganesh arrived in a baby-blue silk dress finished with a ruffled hem.
The Bear actress Abby Elliott wore a delicate pink bustier-style Erdem gown with jewellery by Jennifer Meyer. Terri Seymour also embraced a soft palette in a pink dress decorated with floral embellishments.
Other arrivals included Chase Infiniti in a gold beaded gown and Carey Mulligan in a sleeveless blue-and-white dress. Jessica Belkin wore a dramatic crimson bustier gown with cone-shaped bra cups and matching red heels.
Among the men, NSYNC star Lance Bass chose a dark navy Tommy Hilfiger suit. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms actors Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell created a contrasting pairing, with Claffey in black and Ansell in white.
The evening’s other notable looks included Haley Kalil in a black gown with a sweeping train, Niecy Nash-Betts in fiery red and Jackie Tohn in a shimmering one-shoulder red dress.
Erin Lim Rhodes wore a strapless black gown, while Trisha Paytas arrived in glittering gold with a statement navy train. Zanna Roberts Rassi chose a structured grey top with exaggerated hip detailing and matching trousers.
There was also an appearance from Glambot director Cole Walliser, who arrived wearing a black arm sling. Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer made a stylish pairing on the carpet.
The Pitt leads the Emmy nominations
The ceremony followed the announcement of the nominations in July, when The Pitt emerged as the leading contender with 25 nods, including recognition for Noah Wyle and the Outstanding Drama Series prize.
Hacks followed with 24 nominations for its fifth and final season, setting a new record for a comedy. Jean Smart is nominated for her performance and has the opportunity to claim her fifth Emmy for the series and eighth overall.
Apple TV’s comedy horror series Widow’s Bay received 19 nominations, while Pluribus secured 18. In the limited or anthology categories, the second season of Netflix’s Beef led with 16 nominations.
Saturday Night Live was the most nominated broadcast-network programme, receiving 11 nods. Across the main programme categories, 555 programmes were submitted, including dramas, comedies, limited series, films, variety shows and reality competitions.
