What to expect at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Hollywood's television industry gathers Monday in Los Angeles for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, an annual ceremony that recognizes the best of American television and often shapes what international audiences stream in the months that follow.

Here is what to expect.

When and where is the ceremony?

The ceremony takes place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, starting at 5 pm local time (0000GMT Tuesday).

It will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock in the US, following the Creative Arts Emmys held Sept. 5-6, where awards in technical, guest acting and other categories were handed out.

This year's Emmys honor television programming that aired between June 2025 and May 2026.

Who will be hosting?

Actor Mariska Hargitay, best known for playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will host the show, becoming the first woman to host the Emmys solo in 15 years.

Hargitay, an Emmy winner herself, recently collected two additional trophies at the Creative Arts ceremony for a documentary about her mother, actor Jayne Mansfield.

Which show is expected to dominate?

The Pitt, a hospital emergency-room drama starring Noah Wyle, arrives as the night's biggest contender with 25 nominations, the most of any program.

After winning the top drama prize last year in its debut season, the show is a favorite to repeat.

Hacks, which stars Jean Smart as a veteran comedian and Hannah Einbinder as her younger writing partner, follows with 24 nominations and is competing for comedy honors in what is expected to be a closely watched race.

Apple TV's Widow's Bay, a comedy about an idyllic New England island hiding a dark secret, and Pluribus, a science-fiction drama about a woman seemingly immune to a mysterious force transforming humanity, are also among the most-nominated shows this year.

Netflix's Beef, which follows a new group of characters drawn into an escalating conflict, and HBO's DTF St. Louis, a dark comedy centered on a troubled love triangle, are among the leading contenders in the limited-series categories.

Who are the acting frontrunners?

Several established stars could add to their Emmy collections, while others are seeking their first wins.

Jean Smart is looking to extend her run of success for Hacks, while Noah Wyle is among the leading acting contenders for The Pitt.

Rhea Seehorn is also drawing attention for her performance in Pluribus.

Veteran actor Harrison Ford is another notable name in the field. At 84, he is nominated for his first Emmy for his supporting role in Shrinking.

Actor Zendaya is also in the running for the final season of Euphoria, adding another major name to a drama acting field that includes several previous Emmy winners.