Keke Palmer was absent from the 2026 Emmy Awards despite being announced as a presenter at Monday night’s ceremony in Los Angeles.
The 33-year-old actor had been due to present the Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series award alongside Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández at the Peacock Theater.
When the category was introduced, however, Hernández appeared on stage alone. He presented the award to Hiro Murai, director of Widow’s Bay, after a light-hearted introduction in which he mentioned several stars he admired and invited them to his home for dinner.
No explanation has been given for Palmer’s absence. Representatives for her team have been contacted for further information.
Keke Palmer’s Emmy record
Palmer has previously won two Emmy Awards and is currently nominated in two categories at the Daytime Emmys, which are due to take place on October 30.
She is nominated for Outstanding Daytime Personality – Non-Daily for the digital series Glam Through the Ages, produced through her KeyTV Network. She is also nominated as a producer for Outstanding Daytime Short Form Program.
Palmer received a talk show host nomination in 2020 for Strahan, Sara & Keke. She won Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series in 2022 for Keke Palmer’s Turnt Up with the Taylors, followed by Outstanding Host for a Game Show for Password in 2023.
