Show summary Hide summary
- Hosts, surprise cameos and the vibe at the Peacock Theater
- Heated private exchange between two of Aaron Rodgers’ former partners
- Kaley Cuoco’s touching reaction as Tom Pelphrey takes home an Emmy
- Rhea Seehorn’s first Emmy and the cast celebration
- Emotional tributes: honoring Catherine O’Hara
- Backstage buzz: bars, campaigning and casual celebrations
- Moments with The Bear, Schitt’s Creek alumni, and other standout pairings
- Jason Segel, Lisa Rinna and the evening’s most relaxed attendees
- Fashion, candid moments and small but memorable interactions
- Exits, encounters and the walk to after-parties
The 2026 Emmys delivered show-stopping wins, quiet backroom drama and tender tributes that kept attendees talking long after the telecast ended. Mariska Hargitay led a star-studded night at the Peacock Theater, but many of the evening’s most memorable moments unfolded away from the cameras.
Hosts, surprise cameos and the vibe at the Peacock Theater
Kim Kardashian awarded €1 for 2016 Paris robbery: the surprising reason
The Tubs ruin pop music on Hard Life: gloriously messy and oddly addictive
Mariska Hargitay anchored the 78th Emmys with a steady hand and warm presence.
High-profile cameos punctuated the night, including pop star Taylor Swift and New York Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson. The pair made brief, headline-making appearances that added a pop-culture buzz.
Beyond the stage, the vibe alternated between electric and intimate, as winners embraced and colleagues shared private conversations.
Heated private exchange between two of Aaron Rodgers’ former partners
One of the evening’s most talked-about off-camera encounters involved Shailene Woodley and Olivia Munn.
The two were seen deep in conversation, with Woodley at times shaking her head while Munn offered a supportive hand. No one disclosed what was said.
Later, Woodley joined Munn and partner John Mulaney, and playfully congratulated friends on wedding news.
Kaley Cuoco’s touching reaction as Tom Pelphrey takes home an Emmy
When Tom Pelphrey won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Task, his fiancée Kaley Cuoco was visibly ecstatic.
Cuoco leapt from her seat to greet Pelphrey with a kiss before he walked the stage. She wiped away tears as he dedicated the win to their growing family.
Later in the evening, Pelphrey and Cuoco were warmly welcomed by fellow actors, including Shailene Woodley.
Rhea Seehorn’s first Emmy and the cast celebration
Rhea Seehorn earned her first Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
The Pluribus ensemble erupted in cheers as Seehorn accepted the award and singled out crew, writers and cast during her speech.
Castmates such as Keri Russell greeted her afterward, with Russell praising Seehorn’s heartfelt remarks.
Emotional tributes: honoring Catherine O’Hara
The ceremony’s tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara drew raw emotion from the room.
- Macaulay Culkin paid homage to their onscreen history from Home Alone.
- Dan Levy and Annie Murphy offered touching memories from Schitt’s Creek.
The stories and laughter turned into tears, underlining O’Hara’s impact on generations of performers.
Backstage buzz: bars, campaigning and casual celebrations
The backstage bar became a central hub where stars recharged between segments.
- Adam Brody kept it low-key, snacking on popcorn with co-stars.
- Guillermo Rodriguez snapped photos and quietly campaigned for votes for Dancing With the Stars.
- Late-night TV hosts reunited when Stephen Colbert and his peers embraced after a big win.
Colbert used his acceptance to defend late-night television’s role in nurturing talent and then paused for fan photos in the lobby.
Moments with The Bear, Schitt’s Creek alumni, and other standout pairings
Cast members from current favorites circulated through the theater between awards and acceptance speeches.
- Ayo Edebiri and Abby Elliott of The Bear were seen taking a quiet breath together.
- Schitt’s Creek pairings reunited and swapped stories across the room.
Rob Reiner’s posthumous recognition for his guest appearance on The Bear added a bittersweet note.
Jason Segel, Lisa Rinna and the evening’s most relaxed attendees
Jason Segel seemed to savor every moment, laughing with friends and posing for photos despite not winning the top acting prize.
Lisa Rinna entertained her husband with a playful stretch and short dance from the front row.
Other attendees, like Sterling K. Brown and Jean Smart, took time to greet fans as they departed for after-parties.
Fashion, candid moments and small but memorable interactions
Brooks Nader mixed in with Baywatch co-stars and posed for numerous photos.
She and her sister shared lighthearted moments, even touching up makeup in a restroom mirror and joking about swapping into comfy clothes later.
Elsewhere, award winners and nominees traded hugs, selfies and congratulations throughout the night.
Exits, encounters and the walk to after-parties
As the ceremony wound down, exits were relaxed and social.
- Lukita Maxwell gave co-star Luke Tennie a peck on the cheek as they left.
- Abby Lee Miller flashed bright sneakers while saying goodbye.
- Colman Domingo lingered to greet fans before heading out.
Selfies with fans were plentiful, and many stars paused for one last photo before joining after-parties and industry events.
