Amy Perez
Copy Editor
This year’s 78th Emmy Awards left its viewers with many notable highlights to discuss long after it aired. The hard work that paid off for many of the category’s nominees and they showed up dressed to impress to receive them.
Let’s talk about how Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay was the first female host of the show in 15 years. Not to mention she left with two wins of her own for “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special” and “Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction program” for her “My Mom Jayne.”
The first night continued with a significant number of wins for “The Apple Music Super Bowl XL Half Time Show,” starring Bad Bunny. They left with a total of 7 wins in categories such as Outstanding Variety Special, Outstanding Music Direction and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special just to name a few for the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy awards. Apparently, they made an impact.
The Emmys had some world-renowned actors who have been brought back into the spotlight with wins this year. Some of those well-known names are Sally Fields who, at 79 years old, took home a win for her role in the Netflix film “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Then there was Jean Smart who won Lead Actress in a comedy series for her role in “Hacks.” Lastly, we can’t forget the utter surprise that Allison Janney seemed to be filled with when she took the win for Supporting Actress in a Drama series for “The Diplomat.” These women have been in the industry for decades. It was nice to see the female categories dominate.
This award show isn’t only about awards though. It is about coming together as a collective, supporting, honoring, sharing and elevating their talents and achievements in the television broadcasting industry. It honors stories, performances and innovations in front of and behind the screens. And like a family, when someone passes, they all feel it.
They opened their “In Memoriam” segment with a raw and intimate story telling performance by Noah Khan. He walked out on stage in a white suit with his acoustic guitar in hand as an orchestral string section accompanied him in the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Paying respect to those who were lost this past year.
Then there was Sally Field’s speech celebrating the life and career of the iconic and phenomenal Dolly Parton, which was sweet and subtle. Her speech was followed by the country-twanged voice of singer Reba McEntire’s beautiful rendition of Dolly Parton’s song “Appalachian Trail.”
Jamie Lee Curtis followed the “In Memoriam” segment of the show where they left the tribute to Rob Reiner for last. He was a renowned director, producer, screen writer, actor and political activist whose career spanned 60 years in the business.
If anyone followed the trials for his and his wife’s murder this year, then you can probably understand why it was saved for last. Curtis spoke highly of him and his wife in an emotional speech celebrating the man and friend that he was to many.
It was no surprise when Noah Wyle won Lead Actor in a Drama series for his character on “The Pitt” for the second year in a row. The show also took its second year in a row win for Outstanding Drama series.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” won for best Variety series. What a way to go out, since his show finished its final season this past May.
The horror comedy “Widows Bay” which was new to television this year left with 14 wins which is one of the most wins for a comedy series in a single year. I guess it’s safe to say that it was a hit. We will have to keep that one on our radar for future seasons. With a lead like Matthew Rhys though, it’s not surprising. He ended up leaving the award show with two wins himself, one for lead actor in the limited series “The Beast in Me” and another for lead actor in the comedy series for “Widows Bay.”
The top memorable moment of the night had to be the standing ovation as Michael J. Fox was pushed onto the stage in his wheelchair to receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian award which acknowledged his contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy.
Fox voiced a profound speech where he touched base on the importance of helping others even in the midst of our own struggle, as well as the perseverance he demonstrated as he fought for his career despite the challenges placed in front him. He continued to reminisce on the fear that he felt of possibly being shunned by Hollywood after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 1998 and ended by expressing his appreciation for an academy that continued to believe in him which allowed Fox to keep doing the work he loves.
What an exciting night filled with talented people who find their way onto our TV screens daily. They help us slow down and put our feet up for a little while after the responsibilities of the day have subsided. Thank you television for offering an escape and entertainment after a long day.