The Most Jaw-Dropping 2026 Emmys Live Red Carpet Beauty Looks

Tune in for can't-miss hair, makeup, and manicure looks at TV's biggest night.

Hannah Baxter's avatar
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Last updated In News

Is it just me or has TV been really good this year? From The Pitt, Love Story, Widow's Bay, and the final season of Hacks (crying real tears) there has been hours upon hours of top-tier entertainment to watch over the last 12 months. So, it stands to reason that the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be just as delicious to watch, starting, of course with all the red carpet arrivals.

The list of nominees is absolutely stacked this year with stalwarts like Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), and Jean Smart (Hacks) making a return to TV's biggest night, as well as some newcomers like Elle Fanning (Margo's Got Money Troubles), and Kate O'Flynn (Widow's Bay). Plus, it's always a joy to see Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), return to the Emmys, as well as Keri Russell (The Diplomat), and the reigning red carpet queen of 2026, Zendaya (Euphoria). Who will take home the coveted trophies this year? It remains a mystery for the moment, but be sure to follow along for live updates, photos, and our editors’ honest thoughts about their favorite Emmys hairstyles and makeup throughout the night.

Fiona Dourif

a woman with red hair in a red dress on the blue emmys carpet

(Image credit: Getty Images)

More red hair! Perfect baby bangs! Fiona Dourif is getting my through until season three of The Pitt finally drops.

Louisa Jacobson

Louisa Jacobson wore a black-and-white suit on the 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet

(Image credit: Getty Images)

I don't think I've ever seen The Gilded Age star look so *hot* on the red carpet. This perfectly imperfect bixie and subtle smokey eye is absolutely sending me.

Abby Elliott

a white woman with red hair in a pink gown

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Okay, it's decided—The Bear's Abby Elliott was born to be a redhead!

Shabana Azeez

a woman with dark brown hair in a gold strapless gown on the blue emmys red carpet

(Image credit: Getty Images)

No scrubs or messy hair for The Pitt star Shabana Azeez tonight! She looks absolutely dazzling in this curled updo and soft glam.

Joy Sunday

a black woman with short hair in a silver gown on the emmys blue carpet

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When there's no hair to hide behind, your face card better not decline. Luckily, Joy Sunday more than understood the assignment!

Grace Gummer

a white woman with a blow ponytail in a black gown on a gold emmys step and repeat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Love them or hate them, but low ponytails are a major fall hair trend, as evidenced by the divine Grace Gummer.

Niecy Nash

a black woman in a red gown on a blue emmys step and repeat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ugh, does anyone do red carpet glam like Niecy Nash? The Emmy-winner is bringing full bombshell tonight and my eyes are grateful.

Miriam Shor

a white woman in a yellow dress with bright lipstick on a blue emmys step and repeat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The first time Emmy nominee is looking ravishing with this sleek, middle-parted lob and poppy red lip.

Aliyah Mastin

a black woman with short brown hair in a white gown on a blue emmys step and repeat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While she's known for her curls on the Hulu series Paradise, I'm very into Mastin's sassy curled bob this evening.

Lena Hall

a woman with dark brown hair in a blue dress on an emmys blue step and repeat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Okay, Lena Hall coming in hot with a red lip to kick off the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards! I love this strong contrast with her cerulean gown.