Primetime Emmys Fast Facts
CNN Editorial Research
(CNN) — Here’s a look at the Primetime Emmy Awards, which recognize television programs and performers.
September 14, 2026 – The 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony takes place, with Mariska Hargitay hosting.
Facts
Emmys are presented by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Louis McManus, a television engineer, created the Emmy statuette, using his wife’s image as a model.
Emmy Awards are named after “Immy,” an abbreviation for the image orthicon tube, an early camera. It was later changed to “Emmy.”
The first Emmy Awards were presented on January 25, 1949, at the Hollywood Athletic Club and were for Los Angeles programming only. Six awards were given. Tickets to the event were $5.
The first award ever given was for outstanding personality and went to ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale, for the children’s show, “Judy Splinters.”
Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are tied for the most Emmys ever by a performer (8). Ed Asner has won the most Emmys ever by a male performer (7), as of 2026.
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” which premiered on Hulu in 2017, was the first online streaming service series to win an Emmy for outstanding drama.
In 2018, the Amazon Prime Video series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” won an Emmy for outstanding comedy. It was the first time a streaming network show won the comedy award.
In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy announced a realignment of the Primetime and Daytime Emmy Awards, organizing the competitions by content genre rather than airtime.
2026 Winners (in selected categories)
Outstanding Comedy Series:
- “Widow’s Bay”
Outstanding Lead Actor – Comedy Series:
- Matthew Rhys – “Widow’s Bay”
Outstanding Lead Actress – Comedy Series:
- Jean Smart – “Hacks”
Outstanding Supporting Actor – Comedy Series:
- Stephen Root – “Widow’s Bay”
Outstanding Supporting Actress – Comedy Series:
- Kate O’Flynn – “Widow’s Bay”
Outstanding Drama Series:
- “The Pitt”
Outstanding Lead Actor – Drama Series:
- Noah Wyle – “The Pitt”
Outstanding Lead Actress – Drama Series:
- Rhea Seehorn – “Pluribus”
Outstanding Supporting Actor – Drama Series:
- Tom Pelphrey – “Task”
Outstanding Supporting Actress – Drama Series:
- Allison Janney – “The Diplomat”
Complete list of 2026 winners.
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