The 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television’s creative and technical fields over two nights at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event recognized a wide range of achievements, from acting and writing to technical and behind-the-scenes excellence. Widow’s Bay emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing eight awards, while DTF St. Louis and the recently canceled Spider-Noir also had impressive showings.
The ceremony featured a mix of scripted and unscripted categories, including guest acting, animation, casting, costumes, editing, sound, stunts, and visual effects. Notably, the Legacy Award was introduced this year, honoring the timeless impact of I Love Lucy.
The Night’s Standout Moments
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the posthumous Emmy awarded to the late Rob Reiner for his guest role on The Bear. The audience gave him a standing ovation, celebrating his enduring legacy in television. Additionally, for the first time, both limited supporting awards were presented at this event rather than the Primetime ceremony, with Linda Cardellini and David Harbour from DTF St. Louis sweeping the category.
Other acting winners included Betty Gilpin from Widow’s Bay for comedy guest actress, Shailene Woodley from Paradise as drama guest actress, and Ernest Harden Jr. from The Pitt as drama guest actor. Remarkably Bright Creatures was named Best Movie and South Park scored Best Animated Program for the first time since 2013.
Technical and Behind-the-Scenes Honors
The Creative Arts Emmys also recognized the technical and behind-the-scenes talent that brings television to life. The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny dominated Night 1, taking seven trophies including Best Variety Special (Live) and six technical awards. The Traitors was right behind with six wins, including a repeat host win for Alan Cumming and Best Directing for a Reality Program.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert took five awards in its final season, The Muppet Show four, and Love on the Spectrum three. Mariska Hargitay won two awards for My Mom Jayne for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Best Directing. Antiques Roadshow won its first Emmy ever after 24 nominations, for Best Structured Reality Program.
Complete List of Winners
Below is the complete list of winners from both nights, showcasing the breadth of talent and creativity honored at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Night 2 Winners
Best Limited/Movie Supporting ActorDavid HarbourDTF St. Louis
Best Limited/Movie Supporting ActressLinda CardelliniDTF St. Louis
Best Comedy Guest ActorRob ReinerThe Bear
Best Comedy Guest ActressBetty GilpinWidow’s Bay
Best Drama Guest ActorErnest Harden Jr.The Pitt
Best Drama Guest ActressShailene WoodleyParadise
Best MovieRemarkably Bright Creatures
Best Animated ProgramSouth Park
Night 1 Winners
Best Variety Special (Live)The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny
Best Directing for a Reality ProgramThe Traitors
Best Documentary or Nonfiction SpecialMy Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay
Best Structured Reality ProgramAntiques Roadshow
The ceremony did not air live. Nights 1 and 2 will be edited into a single broadcast, the 78th Emmy Awards (Creative Arts), airing Sept. 12 on FXX at 8 p.m. ET/PT and streaming on Hulu the next day.
