For more than seven decades, the Emmy Awards have celebrated the television shows, performances and creative talents that shape popular culture. Since the inaugural ceremony in 1949, the Emmys have grown into one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious honours, recognising the people behind television’s most memorable moments, from groundbreaking dramas and beloved comedies to performances that keep audiences glued to their screens.
Over the years, the ceremony has crowned some of Hollywood’s most celebrated talents. Television legends such as Lucille Ball, Betty White and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have left their mark on Emmy history, while contemporary stars including Zendaya, Jeremy Allen White and Quinta Brunson have carried the tradition into a new era. Their wins reflect the changing face of television and its growing influence on global entertainment.
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But the Emmys are about more than golden statuettes. Every year, the ceremony doubles as one of Hollywood’s most anticipated fashion showcases, where A-list celebrities, acclaimed actors and rising stars transform the red carpet into a runway of couture gowns, daring silhouettes, statement jewellery and impeccable tailoring.
The 2026 edition was no exception.
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Zendaya is a star who can pull off, well, just about anything. Including this bejewelled Prada number that shone very brightly.
Held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony brought together some of television’s biggest names for an evening of celebration, style and spectacular fashion moments. In a departure from the traditional comedian-led format, Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay took on hosting duties as master of ceremonies. She arrived with reason to celebrate, having already collected two statuettes at the previous week’s Creative Arts Emmys for her documentary, My Mom Jayne.
Among the stars drawing attention were Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning, Chase Infiniti, Hannah Einbinder and Sarah Pidgeon. Zendaya also featured among the evening’s notable names, with recognition for the final season of Euphoria. Given her track record of unforgettable red-carpet appearances, fashion watchers had every reason to keep their eyes on her.
And with a legacy of iconic Emmy fashion moments to live up to, the pressure was on.
From Sarah Jessica Parker’s pink tulle Chanel creation in 2003 to Chloë Sevigny’s playful, polka-dot Isaac Mizrahi gown in 2009, the Emmys have delivered looks that remain part of red-carpet history. Last year’s ceremony raised the bar once again, with Jenna Ortega’s dramatic Givenchy look by Sarah Burton and Selena Gomez’s sweeping tomato-red Louis Vuitton gown among the standout ensembles.
So, did the 2026 stars rise to the occasion?
From show-stopping couture to effortlessly elegant ensembles, here are the red-carpet looks from the 2026 Emmy Awards that deserve a closer look.
Zendaya’s 2026 Emmys red carpet look proves that crystal-covered glamour is never going out of style. Styled by Law Roach, her custom Prada gown, Mikimoto pearls, and chic pixie cut make this one of the night’s standout beauty and fashion moments
We knew that Sarah Pidgeon wouldn’t disappoint for her first time attending the Emmy Awards. This lilac slip nodded to her on-screen character, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Love Story, the queen of ’90s minimalism. The Chanel interpretation? Very 2026-worthy. Getty Images💜
The Australian star is as mesmerising as ever. The post Nicole Kidman Is Practically Magic At The Emmys In Chanel appeared first on ELLE. Photo: Getty Images
The stealth-wealth fashion star, Carey Mulligan, understood the assignment and wore this perfectly refined gown from The Row. (Which, for once, was not in black or white—we love an unexpected colour moment.)
Carolina Herrera reimagines early-2000s layering for Dakota Fanning, delivering an effortlessly elegant silhouette that balances playfulness with pure sophistication.
Calvin Klein’s signature understated luxury looks right at home on Hannah Einbinder, who brings a sharp, magnetic energy to this beautifully tailored satin ensemble.
Supriya Ganesh delivers a total knockout fashion moment in Alexander McQueen. This look beautifully balances romantic softness with a sharp, striking edge.
Alan Cumming trades his theatrical The Traitors wardrobe for pure sophistication. This beautifully embroidered Bode two-piece proves he cleans up remarkably well.
Selena Gomez skips the method dressing but still looks like the ultimate prize. This radiant golden Louis Vuitton gown is pure trophy-worthy glamour.
Known for masterclass evening glamour, Sergio Hudson delivers an unforgettable red carpet moment for Sheryl Lee Ralph with this strikingly embellished, camo-motif gown. Credit: Getty Image
Paul W. Downs proves that true style is all in the details. This perfectly placed tuxedo brooch adds the ultimate touch of modern refinement to his red carpet look.
Cailee Spaeny taps into the carpet’s massive bow trend with effortless precision. These playful Miu Miu straps add the perfect touch of spice to her sleek column dress.
Ayo Edebiri is the ultimate red carpet gift. Fresh off promoting her new film Clarissa at the Toronto Film Festival, the Chanel ambassador completely switched directions for the Emmy Awards in a spectacular pastel-blue gown anchored by a dramatic vermilion bow.
Grace Gummer makes a powerful case for under-stated luxury at the Emmy Awards. Her pleated Dior gown elevates a timeless silhouette through masterfully crafted button accents and tactile rosette embroidery.
Nicole Brydon Bloom delivers a true breath of fresh air on the red carpet. Proof that a striking structural silhouette paired with a cool, unexpected colour is all you need to make a major statement, courtesy of Lein Studio.
Colman Domingo does it again. Completely rewriting the red carpet dress code, he skips the traditional tuxedo for an effortlessly cool, relaxed robe coat by Valentino.
Mariska Hargitay serves pure main-character energy. As the official host of the Emmy Awards, the Law & Order: SVU legend absolutely commands the spotlight in a breathtaking, custom crimson Monse gown.
Who needs a gown? Louisa Jacobson redefines formalwear in a perfectly tailored, ultra-chic black and white ensemble from Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann.
Mint perfection. Elle Fanning brings a breath of fresh air to the evening in a delightfully crisp, summery pastel shade by Ralph Lauren Collection.
Keri Russell makes fashion history in Khaite’s first-ever custom red carpet gown. Leaving her The Diplomat restraint behind, she perfectly embodies the New York label’s signature edgy spirit in a breathtaking leather column dress.
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