Article Summary: Mariska Hargitay hosts the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, while red carpet forecasters predict sculptural ear cuffs and archival jewelry will dominate this year's looks.
The 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet has a new face leading the show. Mariska Hargitay steps into hosting duties for the first time this September.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live September 14, 2026, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Mariska Hargitay. For the full timing, arrivals and fashion outlook, see RUNWAY’s Emmys 2026 red carpet guide. Early red-carpet forecasts point to sculptural ear cuffs, tiered diamond necklaces and archival jewelry as this year’s dominant looks.
This host choice matters because Hargitay isn’t a comedian or a typical awards-show emcee. She’s also the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years. Furthermore, that adds real significance to this year’s ceremony beyond the red carpet itself.
When Are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, September 14, 2026, on NBC and Peacock. The Creative Arts Emmys precede the main ceremony on September 5–6, honoring behind-the-scenes achievements. According to the Hollywood Reporter, voting for winners runs from August 17 through August 26 ahead of the live broadcast.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Emmys?
Mariska Hargitay hosts this year’s ceremony, a notable departure from the typical comedian-led format. She’s currently entering her 28th season as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Additionally, this marks the first time since 1993 that a host not primarily known for comedy has taken the Emmys stage.
The Pitt leads nominations this year with 25 nods. Hacks follows with 24, a record for a comedy series. Hargitay said hosting felt especially meaningful given NBC’s 100th anniversary this year. She called it “my great honor” to celebrate the television community during such a milestone season.
What Jewelry Trends Are Expected on the Emmys Red Carpet?
Ear cuffs are expected to dominate this year’s red carpet in what forecasters call “elevated earscapes.” Per Marie Claire, Rihanna, Cynthia Erivo and Cate Blanchett have already worn the style on this year’s biggest red carpets, building momentum ahead of Emmy night.
Nominees with strong jewelry track records include Zendaya, Colman Domingo and Elle Fanning, all expected to bring memorable ornament choices to the carpet. Carey Mulligan and Claire Danes are also worth watching, given their established relationships with fine jewelry houses. Additionally, Emmy Awards 2026 fashion predictions increasingly point toward statement earrings and layered ear jewelry replacing the simpler, more minimal styling that dominated recent award seasons.
Runway will track every major red-carpet look on the night of September 14 as arrivals begin. For more of this year’s biggest red carpet and award-season coverage, visit Runway Magazine’s red carpet and events coverage.
