The 2026 Emmy Awards commenced on Monday evening with a mix of familiar faces and rising stars competing for top honors. Leading the nominations is the medical drama series “The Pitt” with 25 nods, including for lead actor Noah Wyle, supporting actors Patrick Ball and Gerran Howell, as well as supporting actresses Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, Katherine LaNasa, and Sepideh Moafi, along with a nomination for best drama series.
Following closely behind is “Hacks,” which garnered 24 nominations for its fifth and final season, setting a new record for comedies. Jean Smart was a strong contender for best actress in a comedy, securing an early win. The competition included Hannah Einbinder and Kate O’Flynn, with O’Flynn ultimately clinching the award.
A notable newcomer, “Widow’s Bay,” received 19 nominations, signaling a potential shift in this year’s awards. Another fresh entry, “Pluribus,” created by Vince Gilligan of “Breaking Bad” fame, earned 18 nominations for its alien invasion dramedy. The spotlight is on Rhea Seehorn, with expectations high for her to win her first Emmy after four nominations.
In the limited series categories, HBO Max’s “DTF St. Louis” stood out, winning best supporting actor and actress awards. “Beef” brought star power to the lead acting categories, with Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac favored for top honors. Late-night shows hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert are both nominated for outstanding variety series, with Colbert’s show facing its end following CBS’s announcement earlier this year.
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is hosting this year’s Emmys after her own wins for the documentary “My Mom Jayne.” She takes over from last year’s host Nate Bargatze, whose performance received mixed reviews.