Best‑Dressed Stars at the 2026 Emmy Awards

When the lights dimmed and the cameras rolled at the 2026 Emmy Awards, the real drama unfolded on the carpet. From sequined armor to whisper‑soft chiffon, every star seemed determined to out‑shine the last.

Sofia Vergara skipped the traditional walk‑on but made sure no one forgot her. She slipped onto the stage in a strapless pink number that caught every flash, the sparkle dancing across the fabric like confetti at a birthday party.

Florence Pugh, on the other hand, floated in a lilac Vivienne Westwood gown that felt straight out of a fairytale. The corseted bodice, off‑the‑shoulder tulle sleeves and a sweeping train created a look that was both romantic and fiercely modern.

Hannah Einbinder opted for a gender‑bending twist, pairing a satin black crop top with crisp white trim to a floor‑skimming skirt. The minimalism was a breath of fresh air amid the usual overload of glitter.

Jean Smart kept it classic. A sleek black dress with silver‑pleated sleeves and a lace‑panel waist proved that understated elegance never goes out of style.

Then there was Chase Infiniti, who turned the carpet into a runway for a custom Louis Vuitton mermaid gown covered in copper beads. The strapless silhouette hugged her figure before exploding into an architectural skirt—almost armor, almost couture.

Nicole Kidman returned to the Emmys in a white Chanel masterpiece studded with 46 handcrafted silk flowers. The plunging neckline and delicate blooms balanced romance with a razor‑sharp silhouette.

Zendaya, ever the risk‑taker, chose a sheer plunge dress dripping in crystals. Styled by Law Roach, she paired the near‑naked fabric with Mikimoto pearls, a diamond‑encrusted watch and a chic pixie cut, turning the look into a modern masterpiece.

Elle Fanning floated in a sage‑green Ralph Lauren gown embroidered with silk chiffon and micro‑cut glass beads. The open back added a seductive edge to the otherwise ethereal hue.

Dakota Fanning kept things graphic, wearing a black‑and‑white Carolina Herrera piece that felt like a living piece of art, its crisp contrast amplified by a bold red lip.

Selena Gomez embraced gilded glamour in a strapless gold chainmail dress that shimmered from every angle, the rectangular embellishments catching the light like tiny mirrors.

Cynthia Nixon’s burgundy sculptural gown featured dramatic pleats, a single billowing sleeve and layers that moved like liquid on the carpet.

Katherine LaNasa slipped into a pale‑blue slip dress with delicate straps, the simple silhouette elevated by a vibrant red lipstick and Cartier sparkle.

Host Mariska Hargitay went full‑throttle in a fiery red off‑the‑shoulder number covered in sequins, the feathered mermaid skirt adding drama worthy of a finale.

Aimee Carrero turned heads with a black two‑piece ensemble—a ruffled bralette and sheer, voluminous skirt with a thigh‑high slit that whispered both edge and elegance.

Finally, Sheryl Lee Ralph glowed in a Sergio Hudson gown adorned with abstract pastel and gold sequins. The column silhouette let the intricate pattern do all the talking while she owned the moment with regal waves and statement earrings.