Emmys 2026: The Most Memorable Red Carpet Looks of This Year's Nominees
The 2026 Emmy Awards will take place on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honouring the finest achievements in television over the past year. As the industry prepares to celebrate its leading talents, attention also turns to the red carpet, where fashion choices often spark as much discussion as the awards themselves.
This year's nominees include stars from acclaimed series such as The Pitt, Abbott Elementary, Hacks and Euphoria. Below, we review the most striking and the most questionable outfits these nominees have worn to the Emmys in previous years.
Zendaya: A Study in Elegance and Experimentation
Zendaya, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria, has established herself as a dominant presence on the red carpet.
Her finest moment came in 2022, when she wore a strapless black Valentino ballgown that evoked Old Hollywood glamour. The dress complemented her perfectly as she accepted her second Emmy for lead actress in a drama series.
Her 2019 custom Vera Wang one-shoulder gown, paired with auburn hair, drew comparisons to a Poison Ivy aesthetic. While not a failure, it remains her least convincing red carpet appearance to date.
Lisa Kudrow: Two Decades of Contrasting Choices
Lisa Kudrow, nominated for her work on The Comeback, delivered one of her best red carpet looks in 2000. The purple gown, featuring beading around the neckline and skirt, complemented her blonde hair and earned her a place among the evening's best dressed.
In 2002, however, she wore a fuchsia strapless dress that lacked refinement. The absence of jewellery further weakened an outfit that fell short of expectations.
Katherine LaNasa: From 1998 Glamour to 2025 Simplicity
Katherine LaNasa, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Pitt, attended the 1998 ceremony with her then-husband, French Stewart. Her black patterned gown with a deep-V neckline and 1940s-style curls was a standout.
Her 2025 custom Jason Wu Collection gown, worn upon her first Emmy win, was underwhelming. The strapless ivory silk dress with a blue satin bow, intended as an homage to healthcare workers' scrubs, lacked the impact expected for such an occasion.
Michelle Pfeiffer: Hollywood Beauty Across the Decades
Michelle Pfeiffer, nominated for Margo's Got Money Troubles, attended the 1994 ceremony as a guest of her husband, David E. Kelley. Her simple silver-purple dress with matching heels brought understated Hollywood glamour to the event.
Her 2007 appearance was less successful. A black dress with thick, misplaced straps confused onlookers and remains her weakest red carpet choice.
Quinta Brunson: Highs and Lows in Recent Years
Quinta Brunson, nominated for her work on Abbott Elementary, wore a striking Georges Chakra couture gown in September 2024. The midnight-black dress featured a pointed neckline, large bows and a mermaid silhouette, accessorised with Tiffany & Co. jewellery.
Earlier that same year, however, she attended the 75th Emmy Awards in a crinkled tea-length Dior dress. The rosy pink outfit, described as 'crushed satin', appeared in need of ironing and failed to impress.
Keri Russell: Timeless Style and a Confusing 2016 Look
Keri Russell, nominated for The Diplomat, wore one of the most enduring red carpet looks in 2000. The glittering silver Giorgio Armani gown earned her considerable attention as a presenter.
Her 2016 Stéphane Rolland white gown was less coherent. The bodice featured a flat front and open back, cutting mid-length into a chiffon skirt split at the centre, leaving observers puzzled.
Leslie Bibb: Chic and Questionable Moments
Leslie Bibb, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, wore a beaded white halter-neck dress from the Michael Kors Collection in 2024. Paired with Manolo Blahnik shoes, the outfit felt refined and expensive.
In 2019, she attended with Sam Rockwell in a beaded black dress that drew on flapper style but leaned toward boho-chic. The look did not achieve the elegance she demonstrated in 2024.
Colman Domingo: Curated Style With Occasional Excess
Colman Domingo, nominated for The Four Seasons and Euphoria, delivered a masterclass in styling in 2025. His Valentino look featured silver embellishments on a pale blue blazer, polka dots on the shirt and scarf, bell-bottom trousers and pointed black shoes.
His 2022 paisley-pattern suit was overly shiny and did not match the curated aesthetic he has since developed. Nevertheless, he carried the look with confidence.
Jean Smart: Royalty on the Red Carpet
Jean Smart, nominated for Hacks, wore a blue satin St. John gown in 2016 that suited her perfectly as she sought an award for her role in Fargo.
Her 2006 blue-grey outfit, worn while nominated for her role on 24, was among her least successful choices. The garment appeared unironed and lacked the polish expected of a seven-time Emmy winner.
Ayo Edebiri: Sculptural Drama and Editing Needs
Ayo Edebiri, nominated for The Bear, wore a custom Louis Vuitton black strapless leather dress in 2024. The 3D-moulded balloon-shaped gown brought drama and sophistication to the evening.
Her 2022 soft pink dress featured floral embellishments and shoulder bowties, but the chiffon cape was unnecessary. The look would have benefited from more restrained styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Emmy Awards taking place?
The 2026 Emmy Awards will be held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Which nominees have the strongest red carpet track records?
Zendaya, Colman Domingo and Keri Russell have consistently delivered some of the most memorable red carpet looks at the Emmys.
Who designed Zendaya's best Emmy dress?
Zendaya's 2022 strapless black ballgown was designed by Valentino.
What was the most criticised look among this year's nominees?
Katherine LaNasa's 2025 Jason Wu gown and Quinta Brunson's 2024 Dior dress drew the most criticism for failing to meet expectations.