LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Emmy Awards showcased a night full of expected wins and unexpected appearances, notably featuring stars such as Taylor Swift and Sally Field. The main attractors of the evening were “The Pitt” and “Widow’s Bay,” which both received significant recognition during the event.
Emmy host Mariska Hargitay, marking her debut in this role, opened the show alongside New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson. They initiated the festivities with a humorous pre-taped segment where Hargitay sang a parody of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” titled “I Love TV Screens.” Throughout the night, Hargitay shined as she embraced her unique position as the first woman to host the awards in the last 15 years. Her comedic performance included relatable nods to pop culture and banter with fellow celebrities like Nicole Kidman, emphasizing her excitement for the occasion.
One of the evening's notable segments featured Taylor Swift in a pre-taped sketch where she played a rookie in the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” office. The storyline involved Hargitay's character, Detective Olivia Benson, attempting to piece together connections between Swift's songs and the Emmy-nominated shows, humorously concluding that Swift would not be attending the ceremony. In reality, Swift attended the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium, supporting her husband Travis Kelce during the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener.
Jean Smart became the highlight of the night, receiving her fifth consecutive Emmy for her role in “Hacks.” In her acceptance speech, she reflected on her remarkable journey to this accolade and expressed gratitude to the show’s creators. This victory marked her eighth Emmy overall, tying her with Cloris Leachman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Allison Janney for the most wins in Emmy history.
Another significant moment came when Sally Field, at the age of 79, captured her fourth Emmy award, recognizing her role in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” The audience gave Field a standing ovation, acknowledging her outstanding career and contributions to television. In her heartfelt speech, she thanked the team behind her performance and expressed love for Canada, where the film was produced, amidst ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
The Emmys also included a poignant tribute segment dedicated to Dolly Parton, who had passed away the previous month. Reba McEntire celebrated Parton’s life and legacy through a touching musical performance. Field, later in the evening, honored Parton by reminiscing about her exceptional sense of humor and generosity.
Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her impactful work in “Schitt’s Creek,” was also honored during the ceremony, with emotional tributes coming from co-stars Dan Levy and Annie Murphy, highlighting her role as a maternal figure in their lives and careers. The In Memoriam segment featured musician Noah Kahan, who performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” paying tribute to numerous industry icons who have passed away recently.
Notably, the show celebrated the 30th anniversary of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as its stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz reunited on stage. Their humorous exchange regarding their characters, Buffy and Angel, elicited laughter as they reflected on the show's legacy.
In a quirky appearance, nominee Meg Stalter dressed as an Emmy statuette, showcasing her creativity and enthusiasm as she attended the awards for the first time as a nominee.
Overall, the 2026 Emmy Awards combined heartfelt tributes, memorable presentations, and a celebration of television’s impact, solidifying its place as a pivotal cultural event.
