Emmys 2026: Stephen Colbert Wins Big, Bad Bunny & Sabrina Carpenter Score First Trophies

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards delivered an epic night of record-breaking victories, emotional farewells, and major pop star milestones live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Heading into the final stretch of its landmark run, *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert* walked away with the coveted prize for Outstanding Variety Series, giving the veteran late-night host a triumphant exit on television's grandest stage. *The Late Show* captured a total of six Emmy trophies across its concluding season, marking the single highest award tally the late-night program has ever achieved in one year. But while Stephen Colbert celebrated a fitting curtain call, newcomer series *Widow's Bay* emerged as the undisputed titan of the evening, dominating the main telecast and creative arts ceremonies alike. *Widow's Bay* racked up an astonishing 14 Primetime Emmy Awards overall, setting brand-new all-time records for both the most wins by a comedy series in a single season and the most victories by a debut comedy in television history. The breakout hit officially bypassed last year's record-holder, *The Studio*, which previously set the benchmark with 13 wins during its own celebrated run. ## Did Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter win Emmys? The 2026 Emmy stage also served up monumental career firsts for some of pop music's biggest icons. Chart-topping superstar Bad Bunny snagged his very first Primetime Emmy victory for his high-energy headline performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. Not to be outdone, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter picked up her own inaugural Emmy statuette following her acclaimed appearance on *The Muppet Show*. Bad Bunny's halftime spectacle proved to be a dominant force throughout the multi-night honors, tying as one of the evening's top runners-up with seven total awards. Sharing that impressive seven-trophy tier were medical drama *The Pitt*, comedy series *DTF St. Louis*, and reality competition smash *The Traitors*. ## Who hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards this year? Stepping up to navigate the star-studded ceremony was screen favorite Mariska Hargitay. The beloved actress made history as the first woman to host the Primetime Emmys solo in 15 years, taking the stage in Downtown Los Angeles to kick off the broadcast with a high-energy tribute titled "I Love TV Screen." Her hosting gig added an extra layer of star power to an already unforgettable evening celebrating the absolute best of small-screen entertainment. Between emotional farewells and pop icons taking home gold, the ceremony proved television's biggest night still knows how to put on a spectacle.