Mariska Hargitay Hosts Emmys After 15 Years as Widow’s Bay Wins Eight

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were held in Los Angeles, with Mariska Hargitay becoming the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years. The Pitt led nominations with 25, followed by Hacks with 24, while Widow’s Bay emerged as a major force after winning eight Creative Arts Emmys. Jean Smart won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Hacks, her fifth consecutive award for the role and eighth acting Emmy overall. Widow’s Bay also won recognition through Kate O’Flynn’s supporting-actress victory, while Matthew Rhys won lead actor in a limited series for The Beast in Me. The ceremony featured reunions, an In Memoriam performance by Noah Kahan and a tribute to Dolly Parton, alongside competition among The Pitt, Hacks, Widow’s Bay, Pluribus, The Bear and other leading series.