The 78th Emmy Awards brought television’s biggest stars to Los Angeles. This year, the traditional red carpet turned midnight blue, providing a striking backdrop for couture silhouettes, archival fashion, and daring sartorial experiments.
Held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater, the ceremony was hosted by actress and four-time Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay. HBO entered the night with two of its most-nominated shows: The Pitt, which earned 25 nominations, and the final season of Hacks, with 24. Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay and Pluribus were among the evening’s most notable newcomers.
Zendaya, nominated for her performance in the final season of Euphoria, emerged as one of the night’s defining fashion stars. The actress wore a custom sheer Prada gown embellished with crystals and debuted a sleek pixie cut. Styled in collaboration with Law Roach, the look paired futuristic shimmer with classic Hollywood glamour.
Ayo Edebiri chose a sculptural blue Chanel gown accented with a striking red bow and finished the look with Mikimoto jewelry. Nicole Kidman also turned to Chanel, wearing a pale gown with delicate feather and floral detailing. Selena Gomez shimmered in gold Louis Vuitton, while Colman Domingo once again cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s best-dressed men in Valentino.
The night’s most theatrical entrance belonged to Hacks star Meg Stalter. Covered in gold body paint and accessorized with wings and a sphere, the actress transformed herself into a living Emmy statuette. Following last year’s appearance in jeans and a T-shirt, the performance offered further proof that the red—or, in this case, blue—carpet can be a stage for humor, spectacle, and personal expression.
