LIVE

The best-dressed stars at the 2026 Emmys: See the night’s standout looks


See the standout gowns, daring silhouettes and glamorous looks that stole the spotlight at television’s biggest night.


Emmys 2026 best dressed: The stars who ruled television’s biggest red carpet© NBC
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 7:05 PM EDT

Television’s biggest stars brought their fashion A-game to the 2026 Emmy Awards, stepping onto the red carpet in an array of glamorous gowns, sharp tailoring and unexpected statement looks. From shimmering embellishments and dramatic silhouettes to bold pops of color, the evening delivered plenty of memorable style moments.

While every guest offered a different take on awards-show glamour, several celebrities stood out from the crowd. Scroll through to see our picks for the best-dressed stars at the 2026 Emmys.

Cynthia Nixon attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© Monica Schipper
Cynthia Nixon attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Cynthia Nixon made a sophisticated statement in a sculptural burgundy gown. The asymmetric design featured dramatic pleating, a single voluminous sleeve and layers of fabric that moved beautifully around her. A swept-back hairstyle, sparkling earrings and embellished pumps completed the elegant look.

Katherine LaNasa attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © Kevin Mazur
Katherine LaNasa attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Katherine LaNasa embraced understated glamour in a pale-blue slip gown with delicate spaghetti straps and a softly draped neckline. The fluid silhouette skimmed her figure before extending into an elegant train. A sleek updo, vibrant red lipstick and dazzling Cartier jewelry added a polished finish.

Mariska Hargitay arrives for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© FREDERIC J. BROWN
Mariska Hargitay arrives for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Emmys host Mariska Hargitay lit up the carpet in a fiery red off-the-shoulder gown drenched in sequins. The figure-hugging silhouette transitioned into a feathered mermaid skirt and sweeping train for an extra dose of drama. Tousled waves and coordinating red heels completed her showstopping entrance.

Aimee Carrero at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Aimee Carrero at the 78th Emmy Awards

Aimee Carrero brought a daring edge to the carpet in a black two-piece ensemble featuring a ruffled bralette and a voluminous, sheer skirt. Sculptural folds framed the waist, while a dramatic thigh-high slit added to the look’s sensual appeal. Sleek hair, smoky eye makeup and black heels completed the head-turning outfit.

Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© Monica Schipper
Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Sheryl Lee Ralph sparkled in a strapless Sergio Hudson gown covered in abstract pastel, gold and earthy-toned sequins. The streamlined column silhouette beautifully hugged her figure while allowing the intricate pattern to take center stage. Voluminous waves, statement earrings and luminous makeup completed the glamorous look.

Kristen Bell attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © John Shearer
Kristen Bell attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Kristen Bell looked ethereal in a flowing ivory gown with a softly draped, asymmetrical cape detail. Layers of delicate ruffles framed the keyhole neckline and cascaded across the bodice, bringing movement to the sleek silhouette. A relaxed half-up hairstyle and understated makeup completed the romantic look.

Thomas Doherty at the 78th Emmy Awards © Michael Buckner
Thomas Doherty at the 78th Emmy Awards

Thomas Doherty offered a crisp take on classic eveningwear in Brunello Cucinelli. He paired a white dinner jacket and coordinating shirt with high-waisted black trousers, a black bow tie and polished dress shoes. A red pocket square added a sharp pop of color to the timeless look.

Lisa Kudrow at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Lisa Kudrow at the 78th Emmy Awards

Lisa Kudrow epitomized understated elegance in an all-black Celine ensemble. A cropped tuxedo-style jacket with satin lapels complemented her lustrous floor-length gown, adding structure to the fluid silhouette. Soft waves, minimal makeup and delicate diamond jewelry completed the timeless look.

Joy Sunday arrives for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© LISA O'CONNOR
Joy Sunday arrives for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Joy Sunday shimmered in a white Dior gown covered in delicate embellishments. The softly draped silhouette featured slender straps, a gathered bow at the waist and a high slit, while the scalloped hem and sweeping train added a romantic finish. White heels, diamond earrings and her closely cropped hair kept the look fresh and modern.

Grace Gummer attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © Monica Schipper
Grace Gummer attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Grace Gummer made a dramatic statement in a strapless black Dior gown defined by its textured finish and sculptural floral appliqués. A line of pearl-like embellishments running down the side introduced an unexpected flash of shine, while her sparkling choker amplified the look’s dark romance. She finished the ensemble with a softly undone updo and understated makeup.

Louisa Jacobson at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Louisa Jacobson at the 78th Emmy Awards

Louisa Jacobson traded the traditional red-carpet gown for a sharply tailored black Tom Ford tuxedo. The cropped jacket, wide-leg trousers and flowing white necktie brought a cool, slightly androgynous edge to the evening, while a sparkling brooch added a touch of classic glamour. Her slicked-back hairstyle and minimal makeup allowed the impeccable tailoring to take center stage.

Shabana Azeez at the 78th Emmy Awards © Michael Buckner
Shabana Azeez at the 78th Emmy Awards

Shabana Azeez embraced gilded glamour in a strapless gold gown featuring a structured, intricately embroidered bodice. A sleek satin skirt hugged her figure before extending into a dramatic train, creating an elegant contrast with the textured top. She completed the regal look with delicate jewelry and a romantic updo with face-framing strands.

Supriya Ganesh attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© Kevin Mazur
Supriya Ganesh attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Supriya Ganesh delivered an ethereal fashion moment in an icy-blue satin gown with delicate spaghetti straps and a softly draped neckline. The fitted silhouette gave way to tiers of romantic ruffles and a sheer pleated skirt that flowed onto the carpet. A sparkling necklace, loose waves and luminous makeup completed the dreamy look.

Cailee Spaeny at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Cailee Spaeny at the 78th Emmy Awards

Cailee Spaeny was a vision in red wearing a sleek Miu Miu gown. The fitted silhouette featured a halter neckline, delicate off-the-shoulder straps and tiny bow details. Matching red lipstick, softly styled waves and sparkling earrings completed the polished monochromatic moment.

Lukita Maxwell attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © Amy Sussman
Lukita Maxwell attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Lukita Maxwell embraced opulent romance in a metallic gold ball gown. The asymmetrical bodice featured twisted draping and a single shoulder strap, while the voluminous skirt was covered in sculptural gathered ruffles. White pointed-toe pumps and a softly curled bob gave the lavish look a youthful finish.

Krys Marshall arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© NBC
Krys Marshall arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Krys Marshall commanded attention in a vibrant red Bach Mai gown. The strapless design hugged her figure before flaring into a dramatic mermaid skirt, creating a timeless Hollywood silhouette. A swept-back hairstyle and glittering drop earrings added the perfect finishing touches.

Law Roach arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © NBC
Law Roach arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Law Roach delivered maximalist glamour in a richly embroidered gold coat adorned with oversized floral motifs. He balanced the ornate statement piece with flowing white trousers and black shoes, then introduced an unexpected pop of color with a miniature pink handbag and matching watch. Amber-tinted glasses and waist-length straight hair completed the fashion-forward look.

Miriam Shor arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © NBC
Miriam Shor arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Miriam Shor brightened the carpet in a sunshine-yellow strapless gown. The fitted design featured artful draping across the waist and hips before falling into an elegant floor-length silhouette with a subtle train. Red lipstick, gold jewelry and black heels provided chic contrasting accents.

Kristen Kish at the 78th Emmy Awards © Alberto Rodriguez
Kristen Kish at the 78th Emmy Awards

Kristen Kish offered a fresh interpretation of black-tie dressing in a crisp white tuxedo-inspired blouse and wide-leg black trousers. The sheer sleeves, pleated bib and high neckline brought romantic detail to the sharply tailored look. Pointed black heels, delicate jewelry and her signature short hairstyle completed the sophisticated ensemble.

Abby Elliott at the 78th Emmy Awards © Christopher Polk
Abby Elliott at the 78th Emmy Awards

Abby Elliott embraced soft romance in a blush-pink Erdem creation. The look paired a structured corset with a draped velvet skirt, accented by a deep red ribbon at the hip for an unexpected touch of contrast. Loose waves, rosy makeup and delicate pieces from Jennifer Meyer Jewelry completed the vintage-inspired ensemble.

Colman Domingo attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© Amy Sussman
Colman Domingo attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Colman Domingo once again proved his red-carpet mastery in a peach mandarin-collar jacket with traditional frog closures, styled with flowing ivory trousers. A vibrant fuchsia sash and matching accents introduced a bold flash of color, while statement glasses, rings and a gleaming watch completed the richly accessorized look.

Marta Pozzan attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © Monica Schipper
Marta Pozzan attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Marta Pozzan embraced timeless drama in a black Vivienne Westwood gown. The sculpted neckline and corseted bodice flowed into a voluminous peplum before giving way to a sleek satin skirt and subtle train. Loose waves, a delicate necklace and soft makeup completed the romantic ensemble.

Desi Lydic at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Desi Lydic at the 78th Emmy Awards

Desi Lydic stood out in a vivid cobalt-blue Tom Ford gown that hugged her figure beautifully. The streamlined design featured sculptural shoulders and unexpected side cutouts, adding a contemporary edge to the otherwise minimalist silhouette. Slicked-back hair and sparkling jewelry kept the focus firmly on the striking color.

Mychal-Bella Bowman at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Mychal-Bella Bowman at the 78th Emmy Awards

Mychal-Bella Bowman delivered graphic glamour in a black-and-white Terani Couture gown. The strapless design featured a plunging neckline and a dramatic high-low skirt, whose crisp white lining created a bold contrast as it cascaded into a train. Black platform sandals and a braided updo finished the youthful statement look.

 Michelle Mao arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards © NBC
Michelle Mao arrives to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Michelle Mao looked elegant in a vibrant red gown by Marmar Halim. The strapless design featured fine pleating that flowed effortlessly from its fitted bodice into a floor-length skirt and delicate train. A romantic updo, diamond necklace and soft makeup completed the refined look.

Jen Statsky attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards© Amy Sussman
Jen Statsky attends the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Jen Statsky brought modern power dressing to the carpet in an all-black Michael Kors Collection ensemble. The sharply tailored jacket featured strong shoulders, satin lapels, a cinched waist and dramatic extended panels over fluid wide-leg trousers. Slicked hair and minimal accessories kept the focus on the commanding silhouette.

Brittany Broski at the 78th Emmy Awards © Gilbert Flores
Brittany Broski at the 78th Emmy Awards

Brittany Broski shimmered in a metallic Christian Siriano gown. The asymmetrical design combined a draped mesh neckline with a sculptural peplum and sleek column skirt, creating a contemporary take on Old Hollywood glamour. Her flowing red hair, sparkling necklace and bold blue eye makeup completed the statement look.