Emmys 2026 recap: See the winners, emotional tributes and biggest moments

Countdown to the Emmy Awards: Frontrunner watch
ABC News' Melissa Adan scouts out the frontrunners in Hollywood as the entertainment world gears up for the Emmy Awards.
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ByKimberlee Sakamoto, Mason Leib, Emily Shapiro, and Angeline Jane Bernabe OTRC logo
Last updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 3:49AM GMT

LOS ANGELES -- The 78th Emmy Awards brought together television's biggest stars, shows and creators to celebrate the best of the small screen.

Mariska Hargitay hosted the event for the first time. "Widow's Bay" dominated a crowded field, ending the night with six wins on top of the eight wins the show took home previously at the Creative Arts Emmys, held earlier this month.

On Monday, "Widow's Bay" took home the awards for outstanding comedy series, as well as outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, outstanding supporting actor, lead actor, writing and directing.

Scroll below for a recap of the night's winners and biggest moments, and check out all our coverage of the Emmys here.

OTRC logo
Sep 15, 2026, 12:46 AM

Full list of 2026 Emmy Award winners and nominees

Click here for the full list of winners and nominees for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.

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Sep 14, 2026, 10:33 PM GMT

Best photos from the Emmys red carpet

Take a look at the hottest looks on the Emmys red carpet in the photo gallery below.

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Zendaya attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
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Sep 14, 2026, 10:17 PM GMT

What is new at the 2026 Emmys?

The Television Academy made several changes to this year's Emmy Awards.

The outstanding scripted variety series and outstanding talk series categories were combined into a single outstanding variety series category following a decline in submissions in both categories in recent years.

The outstanding television movie category was also renamed outstanding movie, while changes were made to several other categories, including short form, sound mixing and music.

The Television Academy also introduced the Legacy Award this year to recognize television programs that have made a lasting impact on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture and the industry.

"I Love Lucy" became the first program to receive the honor during the Sept. 6 Emmy ceremony.

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Sep 14, 2026, 10:15 PM GMT

Stars arrive on the Emmys red carpet

Television's biggest stars are walking the Emmys red carpet!

Here's a look at "Dancing with the Stars" judge Derek Hough and Elaine Hendrix with her "The Parent Trap" co-star and current "Abbott Elementary" star Lisa Ann Walter.

Derek Hough walks the red carpet at the Television Academy's 78th Emmy Awards telecast on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Derek Hough walks the red carpet at the Television Academy's 78th Emmy Awards telecast on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
ABCNews logo
Sep 14, 2026, 9:35 PM GMT

Categories that won't be announced during Monday's telecast

In July, the Television Academy announced that it would trim the number of awards categories announced during its live telecast in an effort to deliver a "fresh new take on the Emmys broadcast."

The academy said it would move the categories of writing for a variety series, supporting actor and actress in a limited series or movie, directing for a limited series or movie, and writing for a limited series or movie into the Creative Arts Emmys weekend.

Television Academy chair Chris Abrego told Variety in July that the move would "flex more creativity into the show."