Emmys 2026: All the Winners You Need to Know

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards aired on Monday night, and the television world was buzzing with anticipation. After weeks of nominations, the results finally rolled in – some expected, others a bit of a shock.

Even with a record‑breaking 25 nods across both the primetime ceremony and the Creative Arts Emmys, The Pitt left with just two trophies. Noah Wyle snagged Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and the show claimed Outstanding Drama Series, edging out heavyweights like Pluribus, The Gilded Age, and Slow Horses.

Comedy was a different story. Hacks made history with 24 nominations, the most ever for a single comedy in one year, yet only Jean Smart walked away with a statue – she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

That coveted Outstanding Comedy Series award went to the newcomer Widow’s Bay, which also led the night with six wins. Matthew Rhys was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, while Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root each earned supporting‑acting honors for their roles.

In the limited‑series arena, the competition was fierce. Shows like All Her Fault, The Beast in Me, Beef and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette all vied for the top spot, but it was DTF St. Louis that ultimately took home Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

Here’s a quick look at the top categories and their winners:

Outstanding Lead Actor – Comedy: Matthew Rhys (Widow’s Bay)

Outstanding Lead Actress – Comedy: Jean Smart (Hacks)

Outstanding Supporting Actress – Drama: Allison Janney (The Diplomat)

Outstanding Supporting Actor – Drama: Tom Pelphrey (Task)

Outstanding Lead Actress – Drama: Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)

Outstanding Supporting Actress – Comedy: Kate O’Flynn (Widow’s Bay)

Outstanding Supporting Actor – Comedy: Stephen Root (Widow’s Bay)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors

Outstanding Directing – Drama: Saul Metzstein (Slow Horses)

Outstanding Directing – Comedy: Hiro Murai (Widow’s Bay)

Outstanding Writing – Drama: Vince Gilligan (Pluribus)

Outstanding Writing – Comedy: Katie Dippold (Widow’s Bay)

All other categories and nominees were also announced, but the six‑award sweep by Widow’s Bay and the modest haul for The Pitt were the night’s headline‑makers.

Overall, the 2026 Emmys proved that fresh voices can still dominate the stage, while long‑standing series keep pushing the bar higher. If you missed the ceremony, this list gives you the essential takeaways.