2026 Emmy Awards: See the night’s most stunning red carpet looks

The Emmy Awards ceremony kicked off with a lively opening featuring Mariska Hargitay, this year's host, belting out a rendition of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," reimagined as "I Love TV Screens." Joined by sports star Jalen Brunson, Hargitay's performance set the tone for a night filled with entertainment. Accompanied by Jean Smart, the first-time Emmy host enjoyed a relaxed moment in bed, sharing a burger in homage to the hit series "Beef," and rode a horse with actress Jennifer Coolidge.

Hargitay also playfully joked about her 28th season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and her experience with Nicole Kidman's commercials. Fellow host Amy Poehler praised Hargitay's hosting debut, highlighting her achievement as the first woman to host the show in 15 years. Emmy winner Jean Smart, entering her 8th trophy season, expressed gratitude for the nominations and wins, cementing her as the first woman to win Best Actress in a drama series for each season of a show's run.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz reunited onstage for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," with Gellar playfully noting the show's cancellation had left the fate of Buffy and Angel's relationship undetermined. Celebrating Sofia Vergara's presence as a presenter, Vergara returned to the Emmys after skipping last year's event due to an eye allergy.

Amid the pre-show chaos, guests navigated the crowded lobby, dressed in elaborate attire, with one nominee, Meg Stalter, dressed as an Emmy statuette for her supporting actress nomination in "Hacks." The awards ceremony adopted a more intimate seating arrangement, with small tables and lamps placed in front of the stage, in contrast to the previous long rows layout.