The 2026 Emmy Awards brought together television’s biggest stars for a night of glamour and recognition at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Mariska Hargitay made a striking entrance in a glittering Monse red gown that featured sequins transitioning into feather-like designs. Hargitay also hosted the 78th Emmy Awards, becoming the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years. HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt led the nominations with twenty-five nods, followed by Hacks with twenty-four. Other highly nominated shows included Widow’s Bay with nineteen, Pluribus with eighteen, and Netflix’s Beef with sixteen.
The event is known for more than just television awards, as it has long been a showcase for unforgettable red carpet fashion moments. Past memorable looks include Anya Taylor-Joy in a buttercup-yellow Dior gown during the 2021 ceremony and Sarah Jessica Parker in an Oscar de la Renta creation from 2000. This year’s fashion choices were just as impressive, with stars like Nicole Kidman, Selena Gomez, and Zendaya making bold statements.
Zendaya appeared in a custom nude tulle gown from Prada, adorned with beads and crystals for her third Emmy nomination, according to Vogue. She was nominated for best actress in a drama series for her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria’s final season. Zendaya had previously won the award at age twenty-four, becoming the youngest-ever winner in that category. Her stylist Law Roach helped craft the look for both her nomination and presenting duties.
Other standout looks included Florence Pugh in a Vivienne Westwood creation, and Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton, according to a report from Marie Claire Australia. The event also featured appearances by Julia Garner in Loewe, while Sarah Michelle Gellar wore a vintage Versace gown and appeared alongside David Boreanaz. Gellar and Boreanaz reunited to mark the approaching 30th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Several notable figures were absent from a tribute segment during the telecast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Among those not included were Chuck Norris, Daveigh Chase, Patrick Muldoon, Peter Cullen, and Tom Kane, Consequence reported. Nicholas Brendon was also left out of the on-screen tribute, despite co-star Anthony Head being included. Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego said before the ceremony that the number of prominent television figures who had died made it impossible to include everyone in the broadcast. The academy included additional names in its online memorial.
The Emmys have long been a place where television and fashion intersect in memorable ways. This year’s red carpet continued that tradition with a dazzling array of outfits from leading celebrities. The night highlighted not only the best in television but also the most memorable fashion moments in awards-season history.
The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series while Widow’s Bay won Outstanding Comedy Series. Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Pluribus, the category in which Zendaya was nominated.
Zendaya’s appearance was one of many standout moments that captured the attention of fans and fashion critics alike. She and Tom Holland have been promoting their shared projects, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey. The couple’s style choices on the red carpet reflected both their personal flair and their shared creative energy.
IMAGE: Zendaya at the “Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off ‘Shake It Up’ edition. Photo: Mingle MediaTV / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.