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

Apple TV's 'Widow's Bay' dominates 2026 Emmy Awards
"Widow's Bay" stormed the Emmy Awards on Monday night, breaking a record for a comedy series with 14 awards, including best comedy series and three acting wins. Here's a recap of the night's big winners.
Photo by Chloe Kern/WireImage
ByKimberlee Sakamoto, Mason Leib, Emily Shapiro, and Angeline Jane Bernabe OTRC logo
Last updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6:35AM 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.

ABCNews logo
Sep 15, 2026, 12:52 AM GMT

'The Traitors' wins Emmy for outstanding reality competition program

The Emmy for outstanding reality competition program went to "The Traitors."

Cast and crew of "The Traitors" accept the Outstanding Reality Competition Program Award during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Cast and crew of "The Traitors" accept the Outstanding Reality Competition Program Award during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Also nominated were "Dancing with the Stars," "RuPaul's Drag Race," "Survivor" and "Top Chef."

Host Alan Cumming called it "so beautiful that a show about treachery and betrayal brings people together!"

OTRC logo
Sep 15, 2026, 12:46 AM GMT

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.

ABCNews logo
Sep 15, 2026, 12:42 AM GMT

Stephen Root wins the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series

Stephen Root won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his performance in "Widow's Bay."

Stephen Root accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Widow's Bay" onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Stephen Root accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Widow's Bay" onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Root thanked co-stars Matthew Rhys and Kate O'Flynn for their roles and co-nominee Harrison Ford in his acceptance speech.

Other nominees included Colman Domingo for "The Four Seasons," Paul W. Downs for "Hacks," Harrison Ford for "Shrinking," Nick Offerman for "Margo's Got Money Troubles," Michael Urie for "Shrinking" and Tyler James Williams for "Abbott Elementary."

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Sep 15, 2026, 12:38 AM GMT

Rhea Seehorn thanks Keri Russell for thoughtful gift in acceptance speech

Rhea Seehorn won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her/their performance in "Pluribus."

Rhea Seehorn accepts the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Pluribus" on stage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026.
Rhea Seehorn accepts the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Pluribus" on stage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026.

Also nominated in the category were Carrie Coon for "The Gilded Age," Chase Infiniti for "The Testaments," Keri Russell for "The Diplomat" and Zendaya for "Euphoria."

Seehorn recognized her fellow nominees in her acceptance speech, calling them "all brilliant, brilliant performances."

She said her fellow nominee Russell "sent us a lovely gift and a card, quoting -- sadly we didn't know we would lose her so soon -- but quoting Gloria Steinem, saying, 'We are linked, not ranked.'"

"And I feel that way about all you women," Seehorn said.

Women's liberation icon Gloria Steinem died at the age of 92 earlier this month.