Mariska Hargitay made history as the first woman to host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in 15 years, leading the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday. The event recognized achievements across television, with medical drama The Pitt winning the most awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, while Rhea Seehorn earned Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Pluribus.
Hargitay’s hosting debut included a musical opening number and a monologue that playfully roasted several high-profile stars. The ceremony also highlighted fashion trends on the red carpet, with notable looks from Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Nicole Kidman.
Hosting and Ceremony Highlights
Hargitay, known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, opened the show with a prerecorded segment alongside New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, followed by a musical number reworking Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll to spotlight Emmy nominees. Her live monologue included lighthearted jokes targeting Nicole Kidman, Dick Wolf, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Martin Short.
Critics and attendees noted that the ceremony ran at a quick pace without feeling rushed, allowing winners to deliver meaningful acceptance speeches while maintaining moments of levity. Some reviews praised Hargitay’s ability to balance seriousness and humor, while others questioned the effectiveness of her musical segments.
Winners and Nominees
The Pitt led all programs with 25 nominations, winning Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Noah Wyle. Pluribus earned 18 nominations, with Rhea Seehorn winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series after years of critical acclaim without a win. Hacks and Widow’s Bay also performed strongly, with Widow’s Bay winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Matthew Rhys, who made history by winning two lead acting awards in the same ceremony.
The Creative Arts Emmys, presented earlier, included wins for Shailene Woodley, Mariska Hargitay, Bad Bunny, and the late Rob Reiner. Widow’s Bay led early awards with eight wins, while DTF St. Louis earned six.
Fashion and Red Carpet Trends
The red carpet showcased a range of styles, from dramatic plunging necklines and bold whites to metallic and fluorescent sequins. Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Nicole Kidman were among the standout looks, while some celebrities opted for classic black or red. Oversized trousers, feather frocks, emerald-silk suits, and metallic gold body paint also made appearances.
Notable Moments
- Rhea Seehorn’s long-overdue win for Pluribus was highlighted as a highlight of the night, with critics noting her nuanced performance in a role that defied typical awards show expectations.
- Matthew Rhys’ historic double win for The Beast in Me and Widow’s Bay marked a rare achievement in Emmy history.
- Hargitay’s hosting debut drew mixed reactions, with some praising her authenticity and others questioning the musical segments’ execution.