The 2026 Emmys delivered a night full of surprises, and the biggest one came from a show most viewers hadn’t heard of six months ago. Apple TV’s horror-comedy“Widow’s Bay”swept the top comedy category, beating out favorites like“Hacks”and“Only Murders in the Building.”Star Matthew Rhys won two acting Emmys in a single night, a feat only James Earl Jones had ever accomplished.“The Pitt”took drama series and lead actor honors for Noah Wyle, but lost every supporting race it was nominated for.
The night belonged to the veterans too. Jean Smart won her fifth lead comedy actress Emmy, one for each season of“Hacks.”Sally Field, at 79, became the oldest winner of lead actress in a limited series or movie. And Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his decades of Parkinson’s advocacy, a moment that brought the Peacock Theater to its feet.
Host Mariska Hargitay, though, struggled to land the room. Her monologue and bits drew mixed reviews, though pre-taped cameos from Taylor Swift and Jalen Brunson gave the broadcast some of its best moments. So what did you think? Was Hargitay’s hosting a misfire, or did critics judge her too harshly? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
