Emmy Awards 2026: Leading Shows and Surprises
The 78th Emmy Awards nominations have been revealed, highlighting significant achievements and unexpected omissions in American television. Topping the list is the US medical drama The Pitt, which garnered a remarkable 25 nominations. Close behind is the comedy series Hacks, securing 24 nominations.
Among the British nominees, Matthew Rhys stands out with two lead acting nominations for his roles in Widow's Bay and The Beast In Me. Other British actors nominated include Riz Ahmed for Bait, Carey Mulligan for Beef, Gary Oldman for Slow Horses, and Rufus Sewell for The Diplomat.
Notable Absences from Major Categories
Despite its popularity, Stranger Things was notably absent from the best drama series category. The series received seven nominations, all in technical categories. Similarly, Euphoria did not make the shortlist for best drama, although Zendaya was recognized in the main acting categories.
Another notable omission was Jeremy Allen White from the comedy series The Bear, who did not receive a nomination for best lead comedy actor, despite winning in previous years. However, the show itself is nominated for best comedy series.
Top Nominated Shows
- The Pitt - 25 nominations
- Hacks - 24 nominations
- Widow's Bay - 19 nominations
- Pluribus - 18 nominations
- Beef - 16 nominations
- DTF St Louis - 13 nominations
In the drama series category, nominees include The Diplomat (Netflix), The Gilded Age (HBO Max), and The Pitt (HBO Max). Comedy series contenders feature Abbott Elementary (ABC), The Bear (FX/Hulu), and Hacks (HBO Max). The limited or anthology series category includes The Beast In Me (Netflix) and Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu).
Key Acting Nominations
In the lead actor in a drama series category, nominees include Sterling K Brown for Paradise (Hulu) and Gary Oldman for Slow Horses (Apple TV). For lead actress in a drama series, Zendaya is nominated for Euphoria, among others.
The lead actor in a comedy series nominations feature Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for Wonder Man (Disney+) and Matthew Rhys for Widow's Bay (Apple TV), while the lead actress in a comedy series includes Jean Smart for Hacks (HBO Max).
Matthew Rhys also appears in the lead actor in a limited or anthology series category for The Beast In Me (Netflix), joined by Riz Ahmed for Bait (Prime Video). Lead actress nominees in this category include Carey Mulligan for Beef (Netflix) and Sarah Snook for All Her Fault (Peacock).
Additional Categories
Among the nominees for supporting roles, The Pitt and DTF St Louis have multiple actors recognized across categories. Reality competition series nominations include Dancing With the Stars (ABC) and RuPaul's Drag Race (MTV). Variety series contenders feature The Daily Show (Comedy Central) and Saturday Night Live (NBC).
The winners of this year's Emmy Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026.
Source: Original Article
