Emmys 2026 recap: See the winners, emotional tributes and biggest moments
ByKimberlee Sakamoto, Mason Leib, Emily Shapiro, and Angeline Jane Bernabe
Last updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 3:49AM GMT
ABC News' Melissa Adan scouts out the frontrunners in Hollywood as the entertainment world gears up for the Emmy Awards.
AP
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.
Click here for the full list of winners and nominees for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
1 hour and 50 minutes ago
Sally Field pays tribute to the late Dolly Parton, calls her 'blisteringly funny'
The Emmys honored late country music superstar and actress Dolly Parton with a tribute during Monday's telecast, nearly three weeks after her death.
Sally Field remembered Parton, her friend and "Steel Magnolias" co-star, as "blisteringly funny" and a trailblazing humanitarian.
Sally Field speaks onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
"I adored her from day one. How could you not?" Field said.
Country music star Reba McEntire also paid tribute to Parton, singing "Appalachian Memories," a song Parton wrote about her Smoky Mountain roots.
"I love you Dolly," McEntire said at the end of the song.
Reba McEntire sings a tribute to Dolly Parton during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026.
2 hours and 3 minutes ago
Michael J. Fox pays tribute to Bob Hope, reflects while accepting award
Actor and activist Michael J. Fox was presented with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award on Monday night.
Michael J. Fox accepts the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
The award is given to "an individual in the telecommunications industry whose philanthropic efforts exemplify Bob Hope's decades-long altruism and positive impact on society," according to the Television Academy website.
Fox thanked Julianna Margulies, who presented him the award, and spoke about the legacy the award's namesake, comedian and actor Bob Hope, left behind.
"When it starts to get tough, you show up. You help," he said.
Fox also touched on his Parkinson's diagnosis.
"Initially, I kept my Parkinson's diagnosis a secret," he said.
After he found support from his community, Fox said he "understood that accepting Parkinson's didn't mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant doing what I could for everyone living with this disease."
Fox also thanked his family for their support.
Fox was named this year's honoree for his "commitment to Parkinson's research" over the years. The actor was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in the early '90s and has been open about his health issues since announcing his diagnosis publicly in 1998.
Fox founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000. The nonprofit "is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today," according to its website.
In a July statement announcing Fox as this year's Bob Hope Humanitarian Award nominee, Television Academy chair Cris Abrego said the actor's work had "left an indelible mark on generations of audiences."
"The Television Academy is proud to honor him for his extraordinary leadership in advancing Parkinson's research, transforming public awareness and inspiring global support through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, whose investments have accelerated scientific breakthroughs and the search for a cure," Abrego said. "He continues to exemplify compassion, courage and service, reflecting the power of one individual to drive meaningful change."
2 hours and 5 minutes ago
'DTF St. Louis' wins outstanding limited or anthology series
"DTF St. Louis" won the Emmy for outstanding limited or anthology series.
Steven Conrad accepts the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Award for "DTF St. Louis" on stage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026.
Other nominees included "The Beast in Me," "All Her Fault," "Beef" and "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette."
2 hours and 15 minutes ago
Vince Gilligan wins outstanding writing for a drama series for 'Pluribus'
Vince Gilligan won the Emmy for outstanding writing for a drama series for "Pluribus.
Vince Gilligan accepts the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Award for "Pluribus" on stage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2026.
Other nominees in the category were "The Diplomat," "The Pitt," "Slow Horses" and "Task."
