2026 Emmy Awards: Winners and losers

The 78th Annual Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marked a night of historic achievements and unexpected triumphs, spotlighting both established and emerging talents in television. Hosted by Mariska Hargitay—who notably became the first woman in 15 years to helm the ceremony—the event celebrated outstanding excellence in TV across genres and platforms.

Dominating the nominations was the drama series "The Pitt," which garnered a leading 25 nods. However, it was Apple TV's "Widow's Bay" that emerged as a major winner, securing the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series among other accolades. The series distinguished itself not only with its widespread recognition but also by propelling its lead actor Matthew Rhys into the record books.

Rhys achieved an unprecedented feat by winning two lead acting awards in a single Emmy ceremony. He earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his portrayal in Netflix’s "The Beast in Me," as well as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in "Widow’s Bay." This dual recognition underscores his versatile talent and the industry's growing appreciation for performances that transcend traditional genre boundaries.

"Widow’s Bay" also enjoyed success behind the scenes, with creative contributions from figures such as writer Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai receiving commendation, highlighting the show's broad artistic strengths.

In the drama category, "The Pitt" secured the top honor for Best Drama Series, affirming its critical and popular acclaim. Meanwhile, HBO Max’s "Hacks," which had set a nomination record with 24 nods in its final season, secured significant wins including an Emmy for Jean Smart, further cementing its status as a standout in comedy.

The Creative Arts Emmys, announced prior to the main ceremony, set the tone for the evening with notable victories for a diverse group of performers. Shailene Woodley, Bad Bunny, Mariska Hargitay herself, and the late Rob Reiner were among those honored, reflecting a broad spectrum of talent and achievement in television’s technical and guest performance categories.

Other series making a strong impact included Apple TV’s "Pluribus," which secured 18 nominations, and Netflix’s "Remarkably Bright Creatures," featuring Sally Field in a prominent role. HBO Max's "DTF St. Louis" also stood out by collecting multiple awards, including notable recognition for its lead actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.

The ceremony further acknowledged outstanding work in variety programming, with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" winning an Emmy, illustrating the continued relevance and quality of late-night television.

Overall, the 2026 Emmy Awards reflected a dynamic television landscape marked by innovative storytelling and remarkable performances. The event not only celebrated individual and series achievements but also emphasized the evolving nature of the industry, where streaming platforms and traditional networks alike compete for critical acclaim.

Matthew Rhys’s historic dual wins, coupled with the success of "Widow’s Bay" and "The Pitt," highlight a year where exceptional talent and compelling narratives captured the attention of both audiences and critics. Details on certain categories and winners remain limited, but the ceremony unmistakably set new benchmarks for excellence in television.