The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards 2026 were held on September 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, USA, honouring outstanding achievements in television and streaming. The ceremony featured major wins for The Pitt, Widow’s Bay, Pluribus, and DTF St. Louis.


78th Emmy Awards 2026: Venue and Date

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards took place on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater at LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles.

The ceremony was hosted by Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The event was broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

The Emmy Awards ceremony followed the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, which were held on September 5 and 6, 2026.


Major Winners at the 78th Emmy Awards

1. Outstanding Drama Series – The Pitt

The medical drama ** The Pitt ** won the award for Outstanding Drama Series.

It was the show's second consecutive victory in the category. Noah Wyle also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the series.

Exam Point:

Best Drama Series → The Pitt

2. Outstanding Comedy Series – Widow’s Bay

Apple TV's ** Widow’s Bay ** won Outstanding Comedy Series.

The series had a particularly successful Emmy night, winning six awards during the televised ceremony and 14 Emmy Awards overall, including awards presented during the Creative Arts Emmys. This made it the most awarded comedy series in a single Emmy season.

Exam Point:

Best Comedy Series → Widow’s Bay

3. Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series – DTF St. Louis

** DTF St. Louis ** won the award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

The series was among the major winners of the 2026 Emmy Awards and received additional recognition for supporting performances and other categories.

Exam Point:

Best Limited/Anthology Series → DTF St. Louis


Major Acting Award Winners

Best Lead Actor – Drama

Noah Wyle won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for ** The Pitt **.

Best Lead Actress – Drama

Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ** Pluribus **. It was her first Emmy win.

Best Lead Actor – Comedy

Matthew Rhys won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for ** Widow’s Bay **.

Best Lead Actress – Comedy

Jean Smart won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for ** Hacks **.

Best Lead Actor – Limited Series/Movie

Matthew Rhys also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for ** The Beast in Me **. This gave him two lead-acting Emmy wins in the same year.


Best Directing Awards

Outstanding Directing – Drama Series

Saul Metzstein won Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for ** Slow Horses **, for the episode “Scars.”

Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series

Hiro Murai won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for ** Widow’s Bay **. According to the Television Academy, Murai became the first Asian director to win this category.


Michael J. Fox Receives Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

Actor and philanthropist Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 78th Emmy Awards.

The award recognised his philanthropic work and contributions to Parkinson's disease research and advocacy through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Exam Point:

Bob Hope Humanitarian Award 2026 → Michael J. Fox


Quick Revision Points