Los Angeles hosted the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, with the ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in television and streaming broadcast live on NBC and available via Peacock. The event is presented at the Peacock Theater and hosted by Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Hargitay is a four-time Emmy recipient presiding over the 2026 ceremony.
The night highlighted a record-breaking performance for HBO’s final season of “Hacks,” which secured 24 nominations across creative arts and general categories. This total surpasses the previous comedy series record of 23 nominations held by “The Bear” and “The Studio” from the prior year. Meanwhile, HBO’s “The Pitt” received 25 nominations for its second season, leading the drama field this year.
In the comedy acting categories, Jean Smart was announced as the winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in “Hacks.” She was joined on the shortlist by Quinta Brunson for “Abbott Elementary,” Ayo Edebiri for “The Bear,” Elle Fanning for “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” Lisa Kudrow for “The Comeback,” and Megan Stalter for “Hacks.” In the supporting actress category for comedy, Kate O’Flynn took home the award for “Widow’s Bay.” The other nominees in that category included Dale Dickey, also from “Widow’s Bay,” Hannah Einbinder, Janelle James, Michelle Pfeiffer, Megan Stalter, and Jessica Williams.
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Mariska Hargitay hosted solidly enough. A safe choice, but she clearly knows how to handle a live broadcast.
That Hacks nomination record is impressive, but I really hope The Bear gets some love next year too.
Does anyone else think Megan Stalter snubbed for supporting again? She absolutely stole every scene she had.
Jean Smart is unstoppable. Hacks truly deserves every single award it collects this season.
Wait, Kate O’Flynn won for Widow’s Bay? I didn’t even know she was in that! What a surprise pick.