Television’s biggest names have begun arriving for the 2026 Emmy Awards, bringing plenty of red-carpet drama with them. While some stars delivered polished glamour, others sparked buzz for bold looks that proved memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, the annual ceremony celebrates the finest achievements across television. Mariska Hargitay is set to host the high-profile event.
HBO’s hospital drama The Pitt enters the night as the leading contender with 25 nominations. HBO’s Hacks follows closely behind with 24 nods.
The Emmy Awards recognize talent and programming in a broad range of categories, from reality competition and variety programming to acclaimed comedy series.
Zendaya is among the major names expected to attend, having earned a Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination for Euphoria. The Pitt leading man Noah Wyle is also in contention, with a nomination for Best Actor in a Lead Role.
Before the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. EST, celebrities made their way down the red carpet in a parade of statement-making gowns, suits and daring fashion choices.
And while several attendees impressed with their style, others appeared to miss the fashion brief entirely.
The 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet has already produced its share of questionable ensembles, including Derek Hough’s oversized green silk suit and Lisa Ann Walter’s gothic black gown, complete with voluminous tulle sleeves.
Take a look at the worst-dressed stars at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Too much happening at once: Shailene Woodley stepped onto the Emmy Awards red carpet in an eclectic mismatched look featuring oversized gold sequin trousers and a bright blue low-cut tank top. She accessorized with maroon elbow-length leather gloves and a chunky multicolored necklace.
Giving gothic vibes! Lisa Ann Walter looked like she was ready for Halloween as she wore a strapless, black ruched gown with a dramatic flared skirt to the Emmy Awards. The dress was finished off with dramatic black tulle sleeves, and she completed the look with her hair in an over-the-top updo
Would anyone be green with envy over this choice? Pro dancer and DWTS host Derek Hough arrived to the red carpet in an oversized, dark green silk suit, which featured black button detailing on the jacket. He paired his look with a hunter-green silk shirt underneath, along with metallic, patent-leather green loafers
Too high fashion for the Emmys? Lisa Rinna looked like she was headed to New York Fashion Week instead of tonight’s awards show. She sported a sparkling black gown with dramatically puffy sleeves and deep v, complete with a high slit at the leg. She topped off her look with a slick-back hairstyle and a silver pendant necklace
C for creativity? Comedian Meg Stalter dressed as the literal Emmy Award, painting herself in metallic gold body paint and wearing a pair of oversized gold wings that were a part of her hair. She completed the look with a pair of gold heels, mini shorts, and a halter-style crop top
On your way to a high tea, or an awards show? Journalist Keltie Knight looked ready for a fancy luncheon rather than the Emmys, as she donned a flowing, light pink, satin skirt with a bubble hem and a cropped white top. The skirt had a dramatic high-low hemline. She completed her look with a pair of pink satin heels with rubies on the toes, along with a pair of dangling gold earrings
Don’t ruffle her feathers! Eunice Bae looked like she was headed to a costume party as she donned a bright yellow, halter-neck gown made of feathers. The gown featured a deep V-neck cut, and a high-low hemline. She paired the bold look with strappy silver heels and a red lip
Miranda would never! Cynthia Nixon arrived to the Emmys red carpet in a maroon gown that appeared to have a creased pattern. The dress featured a dramatic waist and over-the-top, one-shoulderd look. She showed off the neckline by wearing her hair in a slick bun, and wrapped it together with a pair of nude Manolo Blahnik heels with their signuature silver brooch at the toe
A bit too formal? Actress Lisa Kudrow channeled a menswear-inspired look, wearing a strapless, black silk gown topped with a cropped blazer jacket. She did not accessorize with any jewelry, except for her wedding rings
Going to prom or the Emmys? Rachel Sennott looked like she was off to a high school dance as she donned a hot pink, see-through gown with ruched detailing at the bust and shoulders. The gown showed off her legs, while she styled her hair in a half-up, half-down ponytail and diamond jewelry
Wrong season! Comedian Tiffany Haddish wore a lime-green, silk dress that looked like it was better suited for the summer season rather than the fall. The gown had draped detailing over the shoulder, and she paired it with a bold diamond bracelet