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Hollywood’s biggest television stars gathered in Los Angeles on Monday as red carpet arrivals kicked off the 78th Emmy Awards.
Apple TV’s horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” and the gritty ER drama “The Pitt” enter the night as major favourites to dominate the ceremony.
Host Mariska Hargitay will lead the gala, which features a tribute performance to late country icon Dolly Parton by Reba McEntire, an In Memoriam segment by Noah Kahan, and guest presenters including Zendaya and cast members from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
“Widow’s Bay,” starring Matthew Rhys, already captured eight trophies during the pre-gala ceremonies.
The show now stands on the brink of breaking the single-year comedy award record previously set by “The Studio.”
Industry experts predict a potential victory for Rhys, which would mark his first comedy Emmy following his 2018 drama win for “The Americans.”
A sweep by “Widow’s Bay” could leave HBO’s “Hacks” with few wins, though Jean Smart remains a top contender for best comedy actress in the show’s final season.
A win would mark Smart’s eighth acting Emmy, tying the all-time performer record held by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman.
In the drama categories, last year’s winner, “The Pitt,” enters as the heavy favourite to retain its best drama series title.
The Pittsburgh emergency room drama led all contenders with 25 nominations and already secured four early awards. Lead actor Noah Wyle is expected to repeat his previous acting victory alongside seven nominated co-stars in supporting roles.
Meanwhile, the best drama actress race remains a close contest between Rhea Seehorn for “Pluribus” and Keri Russell for “The Diplomat.” In the limited series field, HBO Max’s “DTF St Louis” leads after securing six early wins.
