The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards unfolded on September 14, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, with Mariska Hargitay hosting a ceremony celebrating NBC’s 100th anniversary. Celebrities arrived in dazzling ensembles, including Zendaya’s crystal-encrusted Prada dress and Selena Gomez’s gold Louis Vuitton gown, as the event’s peacock-blue carpet symbolized the network’s milestone.
The 2026 Emmys red carpet featured a star-studded lineup, with actors, creators, and industry figures making their arrivals at the Peacock Theater. The event, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, marked NBC’s 100th anniversary, prompting a thematic shift in the traditional red carpet to a peacock-blue hue. Attendees included Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Emilia Clarke, and Selena Gomez, among others, each bringing distinctive fashion choices to the event. The ceremony, held on September 14, 2026, was the culmination of a week-long celebration of television excellence.
The Peacock Blue Carpet and NBC’s Centennial
The 2026 Emmys introduced a unique visual element to honor NBC’s 100th anniversary: a peacock-blue carpet instead of the traditional red. This change, highlighted by the Los Angeles Times, underscored the network’s legacy as the ceremony’s broadcaster. Mariska Hargitay, a staple of NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,
took the host role, adding a personal touch to the event. The peacock-blue theme extended to celebrity outfits, with some stars incorporating the color into their ensembles.
The carpet’s design was more than aesthetic; it reflected NBC’s historical significance in television. The network has been a central force in primetime programming. The 2026 ceremony, the 78th Primetime Emmys, served as both a celebration of the network’s past and a showcase for its current programming.
Fashion Highlights and Red Carpet Moments
Celebrities made a statement with their attire, blending glamour with personal flair. Zendaya captivated attention in a custom Prada naked dress
embellished with crystals. Selena Gomez mirrored the Emmys’ theme with a gold Louis Vuitton gown, while Megan Stalter transformed into a literal Emmy statue with body paint, a nod to her Hacks
role. Emilia Clarke and Nicole Kidman, who playfully embraced feathers, added to the night’s eclectic style.
The Los Angeles Times noted the prevalence of pale hues, including baby blues and pinks, as stars like Katherine LaNasa and Supriya Ganesh opted for understated looks. In contrast, Colman Domingo and Lisa Rinna stood out, while Rachel Sennott’s fuchsia Balenciaga gown offered a vibrant pop of color. The diversity of styles reflected the event’s dual focus on celebration and artistic expression.
Some attendees brought personal significance to their outfits. These moments underscored the intersection of personal milestones and professional achievements at the ceremony.
Notable Attendees and Industry Highlights
The guest list featured a mix of veteran actors and rising stars, with several nominees in attendance. Quinta Brunson was among the attendees. Other notable arrivals included Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, and Steve Carell, who all made appearances on the peacock-blue carpet.
Industry figures and creators added to the night’s prestige.
The ceremony also featured a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Mariska Hargitay’s hosting role drew attention, as did the inclusion of newer shows like Nobody Wants This
.
What Comes Next: The Emmys Ceremony and Beyond
Following the red carpet arrivals, the 2026 Emmys ceremony proceeded with the presentation of awards, though specific winners were not detailed in the sources. The event’s focus on NBC’s centennial and the star-studded attendance set the tone for a night celebrating television’s legacy and innovation. The peacock-blue carpet, a lasting visual symbol of the occasion, will likely be remembered as a standout element of the evening.
For attendees and viewers alike, the 2026 Emmys underscored the intersection of fashion, fame, and television history. As the ceremony concluded, the event’s emphasis on NBC’s milestone and the creativity of its guests left a lasting impression.