John Mulaney laid claim to one of the most viral moments of the 2026 Emmy Awards when he hijacked the ceremony to give some crude advice – which was bleeped out for viewers at home.
The 44-year-old comedian was up to present the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series when he led a digression from advice for men to DJ Khaled’s R-rated thoughts on men who pleasure their wives, which was too much for NBC’s censors.
Nicole Kidman also laid claim to one of the evening’s viral moments when Emmys host Mariska Hargitay told her to ‘zip it’ after the n icon interrupted the Law & Order: SVU star’s monologue.
And Taylor Swift ended up having one of the most high-profile appearances during the show – even though she was more than a thousand miles away in Kansas City, Missouri, as she watched her husband Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mulaney’s risqué introduction began when he joked that presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series was the ‘best part of the night.’
‘This award is for the guys. Just men being men,’ he joked. ‘Finally, something for the fellas.’
John Mulaney laid claim to one of the most viral moments of the 2026 Emmy Awards when he hijacked the ceremony to give some crude advice – which was bleeped out for viewers at home
Nicole Kidman also laid claim to one of the evening’s viral moments when Emmys host Mariska Hargitay told her to ‘zip it’ after the n icon interrupted the Law & Order: SVU star’s monologue
And Taylor Swift ended up having one of the most high-profile appearances during the show – even though she was more than a thousand miles away in Missouri, as she watched her husband Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs
The former SNL writer, who said men had been ‘historically unrepresented’ on television, noted that some of the nominees – Sterling K Brown, Gary Oldman, Mark Ruffalo, Rufus Sewell and Noah Wyle – practiced ‘method acting,’ while others did ‘regular, less annoying acting.’
Mulaney got in trouble with the censors when he referenced one of DJ Khaled’s most controversial declarations.
‘I believe it was DJ Khaled who said, “Real men don’t go down on their wives,”‘ Mulaney said as the audience erupted in laughter. ‘But these nominees know that is BS!’
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He added, ‘They know there’s often less pressure on them if they do that first.’
Mulaney had also brought a prop, a copy of the late Sopranos and Goodfellas actor Frank Vincent’s self-help book A Guy’s Guide to Being a Man’s Man, which he shared some wisdom from.
‘A man’s man can be wearing the best clothes, drinking the finest wine, sitting with the most beautiful woman in Las Vegas, but if he doesn’t treat everyone around him with respect and class, he’s not a real man’s man,’ he read. ‘He’s just a jabroni in a good suit.’
Noah Wyle was caught multiple times laughing and looking embarrassed by Mulaney’s jokes before the comedian revealed he had won the award for his work on The Pitt.
Kidman caused a scene of her own when she tried to interrupt Hargitay’s monologue.
Mulaney’s risqué introduction began when he joked that presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series was the ‘best part of the night.’ ‘This award is for the guys. Just men being men,’ he joked. ‘Finally, something for the fellas’
‘I believe it was DJ Khaled who said, “Real men don’t go down on their wives,”‘ Mulaney said as the audience erupted in laughter and censors bleeped him out on the broadcast. ‘But these nominees know that is BS!’
The Law & Order: SVU star told the Aussie actress, 59, to be quiet during a light-hearted moment between the pair at the annual TV awards.
The scripted moment occurred when, during the Emmys opening monologue, Mariska, 62, performed a parody of Kidman's iconic advert for US cinema chain AMC.
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Emmy Awards 2026 WINNERS: Matthew Rhys leads Widow's Bay to SWEEP as he makes history
She gave a dramatic speech about the power of television, copying the overly serious lines Nicole performed in her famous 2021 promotional video, which was part of a national campaign to get people to attend the cinemas after COVID lockdowns.
'Images on the silver screen. Sound that I can feel,' Hargitay said, pretending to get choked up.
Kidman, who was sitting in the front row, quickly interrupted, saying: 'No, Mariska, come on. That's mine. That's my bit. You can't do that.'
'What? No, no Nicole, I'm not,' Hargitay responded as the crowd erupted into laughter over the bit.
Hargitay then attempted to continue, saying: 'Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.'
But Kidman interrupted again: 'No, come on. That's my line. That's actually my line.'
Kidman, 59, was told to 'zip it' on Monday when she playfully interrupted the opening monologue during the 2026 Emmy Awards
Hargitay, 62, performed a parody of Kidman's iconic advert for US cinema chain AMC, but Kidman kept trying to get her to stop. 'No, come on. That's my line. That's actually my line,' she pleaded
'Zip it, movie lady, it's TV's time tonight!' Hargitay hit back.
One of the most viral moments of the show ironically came from someone who didn't even attend.
Hargitay returned in the midst of the broadcast for a pre-taped sketch with the rest of her SVU co-stars in which they tried to crack a nebulous case with so many scatter-brained connections between stars that she had to bring out a second whiteboard covered in celebrity photos and fuzzy yarn connecting them.
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She tried to get Ice-T and the rest of the crew to 'think like Swifties' to solve a mystery: 'Will Taylor Swift be at the Emmys?'
In the midst of the sketch, an unnamed detective spoke up from the back of the room as the video cut to reveal that it was Swift herself dressed as a detective.
Hargitay, a real-life friend of Swift's, collaborated with the undercover pop star to determine that Swift wouldn't be at the ceremony because she would be watching her husband Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs at the same time.
That turned out to be exactly what happened, and Swift was seen sitting in her box at Arrowhead Stadium with another A-lister, Tom Cruise.
Apple TV horror-comedy series Widow's Bay was the biggest winner at the Emmy Awards 2026 as it swept the ceremony, with leading man Matthew Rhys making history as the first actor to win two lead acting gongs in different categories in one night.
Taylor Swift apeared in a pre-taped Law & Order: SVU spoof as Hargitay and her co-stars tried to solve a mystery: 'Will Taylor Swift be at the Emmys?'
Swift, who was dressed as an unnamed detective, helped Hargitay determine that the pop star would skip the ceremony to watch her husband Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs
That turned out to be exactly what happened, and Swift was seen sitting in her box at Arrowhead Stadium with another A-lister, Tom Cruise
On the drama side, it was once again The Pitt who was the big winner as the HBO Max series took home top honors Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for Noah Wyle. They earned the same honors last at last year's Emmys.
However, it was Widow's Bay that made the massive first impression on television's biggest night as it won in all six categories it was nominated in, including the top honor Outstanding Comedy Series.
The comedy horror series beat out: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, and Shrinking.
Widow's Bay is set in the fictional New England island town of Widow's Bay, which happens to be afflicted with a centuries-old curse that brings various supernatural evils upon the island
In addition to Rhys, top acting honors were earned by Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root in the Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series categories, respectively.
However, their co-star Rhys was perhaps the biggest winner of the night as he made history by becoming the first actor to earn two leading acting honors in the same night.
He not only earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy series for the Apple TV series, but also took home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me earlier in the evening.
On the Apple TV series, the talented actor portrays Tom Loftis, mayor of Widow's Bay, as he is originally from the mainland and is initially skeptical of the local residents' superstitions about the island's supposed curse. He is a widower and father to a son, Evan, from his marriage to his deceased wife, Lauren.
Widow's Bay was the biggest winner at the Emmy Awards 2026 as it swept the ceremony with leading man Matthew Rhys made history as the first actor to win two leading awards in different categories in one night
It was Widow's Bay that made a massive first impression on television's biggest night as it won in all six categories it was nominated in, including the top honor, Outstanding Comedy Series, which was accepted by show creator Katie Dippold
On the drama side, it was once again The Pitt who was the big winner as the HBO Max series took home top honors with Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for Noah Wyle
In the psychological thriller mini-series, Rhys portrays Nile Jarvis, who is the son of a real estate magnate who moves next door to the home of Aggie Wiggs [Clare Danes] in Oyster Bay, New York, on Long Island to live in a more secluded manner with his second wife, as he allegedly killed his first wife.
The Pitt earned the top award of the night, Outstanding Drama Series, on a night where it earned 25 nominations, which was the most from any single series.
It faced stiff competition including: The Diplomat, The Gilded Age, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Paradise, Pluribus, Slow Horses, and Your Friends and Neighbors.
The Pitt is centered around the daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital as they juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and the emotional toll of treating critically ill patients, revealing the resilience required in their noble calling.
Noah Wyle was the first to be awarded for the highly popular HBO Max series.
The 55-year-old actor earned the win in the coveted Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category as he beat out: Sterling K Brown for Paradise, Gary Oldman for Slow Horses, Mark Ruffalo for Task, and Rufus Sewell for The Diplomat.
On the series, he portrays Dr Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch, who is the main protagonist of the show as he deals with trauma and PTSD alongside unresolved post-COVID stress.
Meanwhile, Rhea Seehorn earned one of the biggest wins of television's biggest night and beat one of the biggest stars in Zendaya to earn the honor.
For Outstanding Comedy Series, Widow's Bay beat out: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building and Shrinking
The 51-year-old Welsh actor Rhys won big as he earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy series for Widow's Bay
He also earned Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me
Kate O'Flynn earned the first award of the night in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy category for Widow's Bay
In the series she portrays Patricia Moyer, who is the eccentric assistant of Rhys's character and is considered a social outcast among her former classmates who believe that she lied about being targeted by a serial killer known as the Boogeyman while in high school
Stephen Root earned Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy beating out Colman Domingo for The Four Seasons, Paul W. Downs for Hacks, Harrison Ford for Shrinking, Nick Offerman for Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Michael Urie for Shrinking, and Tyler James Williams for Abbott Elementary
The 74-year-old actor plays Wyck Crawford, an outspoken believer of the town's supernatural history as he initially clashes with Rhys's character over the latter's refusal to believe in the island's curse
Rhea Seehorn earned one of the biggest wins of television's biggest night and beat Zendaya
The Pitt earned the top award of the night, Outstanding Drama series, after securing 25 nominations - the most from any single series
Noah Wyle was the first to be awarded for The Pitt, taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jean Smart earned her fifth Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy win in a row
Sally Field earned Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her work in Remarkably Bright Creatures
The 54-year-old actress triumphed in the Lead Actress in a Drama category as she was recognized for her work in Pluribus.
Jean Smart earned her fifth Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy win in a row at the Emmy Awards 2026 on a night that featured a star-studded red carpet.
The 75-year-old talented actress was recognized for her work on Hacks, which just had its fifth and final season.
Smart - who earned her eighth total Emmy in her 15th total nomination - was obviously emotional as her name was called and she was presented the honor by Zendaya.
Sally Field earned Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her work in Remarkably Bright Creatures.
The 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night.
Hargitay's hosting marked the first time a woman has hosted the show in 15 years.
Emmy Awards 2026 winners
Outstanding Drama Series
The Diplomat
The Gilded Age
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Paradise
The Pitt - WINNER
Pluribus
Slow Horses
Your Friends and Neighbors
Noah Wyle led The Pitt to an Outstanding Drama Series honor
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
Widow’s Bay - WINNER
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
All Her Fault
The Beast in Me
Beef
DTF St Louis - WINNER
Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age
Chase Infiniti, The Testaments
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus - WINNER
Zendaya, Euphoria
Rhea Seehorrn was recognized for her work in Pluribus
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Mark Ruffalo, Task
Rufus Sewell, The Diplomat
Noah Wyle, The Pitt - WINNER
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Taylor Dearden, The Pitt
Fiona Dourif, The Pitt
Allison Janney, The Diplomat - WINNER
Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Sepideh Moafi, The Pitt
Julianne Nicholson, Paradise
Karolina Wydra, Pluribus
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Patrick Ball, The Pitt
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt
Gerran Howell, The Pitt
Jack Lowden, Slow Horses
Tom Pelphrey, Task - WINNER
Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Pluribus
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Elle Fanning, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback
Jean Smart, Hacks - WINNER
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wonder Man
Steve Carell, Rooster
Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay - WINNER
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Dale Dickey, Widow’s Bay
Matthew Rhys became the first actor to win two leading actor awards in one night
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay - WINNER
Michelle Pfeiffer, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Megan Stalter, Hacks
Jessica Williams, Shrinking
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons
Paul W Downs, Hacks
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Nick Offerman, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay - WINNER
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Claire Danes, The Beast in Me
Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures - WINNER
Carey Mulligan, Beef
Sarah Pidgeon, Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette
Sarah Snook, All Her Fault
Sally Field was a surprise winner for Remarkably Bright Creatures
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Riz Ahmed, Bait
Jason Bateman, Black Rabbit
Charlie Hunnam, Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Oscar Isaac, Beef
Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me - WINNER
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
Dancing With the Stars
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
The Traitors - WINNER
Outstanding Variety Series
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert - WINNER
Saturday Night Live
Stephen Colbert earned an Emmy for his now-canceled talk show
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The Diplomat (Peter Akerman and Debora Cahn for 'Amagansett')
The Pitt (Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman & R. Scott Gemmill for '1pm')
The Pitt (Valerie Chu for '12pm')
Industry (Mickey Down and Konrad Kay for 'Dear Henry')
Pluribus (Vince Gilligan for 'We Is Us') - WINNER
Slow Horses (Will Smith for 'Scars')
Task (Brad Ingelsby for 'A Still Small Voice')
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (Quinta Brunson for 'Team Building')
The Chair Company (Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin for 'Life goes by too f**king fast, it really does')
The Comeback (Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow for 'Valerie Does It All')
Hacks (Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs, and Jen Statsky for 'Hacks')
Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat (Anthony King for 'Mergers and Acquisitions')
Widow’s Bay (Katie Dippold for 'Welcome to Widow’s Bay') - WINNER
Katie Dippold had a massive night as she also earned an outstanding writing win
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
The Gilded Age (Salli Richardson-Whitfield for 'My Mind Is Made Up')
Paradise (Hanelle M Culpepper for 'Exodus')
The Pitt (Noah Wyle for '12pm')
Pluribus (Vince Gilligan for 'We Is Us')
Slow Horses (Saul Metzstein for 'Scars') - WINNER
Task (Salli Richardson-Whitfield for 'Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river')
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (Randall Einhorn for 'Ballgame')
The Bear (Christopher Storer for 'Bears')
The Chair Company (Andrew DeYoung for 'Life goes by too f**king fast, it really does')
Hacks (Lucia Aniello for 'Hacks')
The Ms Pat Show (Mary Lou Belli for Give It Arrest)
Widow’s Bay (Hiro Murai for 'Welcome to Widow’s Bay') - WINNER
Widow's Bay's Hiro Murai earned Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series