Celebrities

Mariska Hargitay steals the 78th Emmys, turning red carpet into runway

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 7, 2026
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Mariska Hargitay steals the 78th Emmys, turning red carpet into runway

The Emmy red carpet was a spectacle of style on Monday night, with the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards drawing a host of Hollywood luminaries to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event drew attention not just for its awards, but for the fashion statements made by its hosts and guests.

Mariska Hargitay, the long‑time “Law & Order” star, stepped onto the carpet in striking red before taking the stage as host. Co‑hosts Ciara Miller and Adam Brody added sharpness to the scene—Miller arrived in a bold look that turned heads, while Brody wore a classic black suit with a pop of color.

Niecy Nash‑Betts and her wife Jessica Betts shared a glamorous couples moment, showcasing coordinated outfits before joining the rest of the TV talent inside. The carpet featured familiar faces from across television, including actors from “The P.I.T.”, “Hacks”, and “Widow’s Bay”—all part of the year's biggest TV hits.

Lisa Rinna made headlines with a dramatic thigh‑high slit gown that drew photographers' attention to her legs, while Derek Hough, Lance Bass, Melissa Rivers,

Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Rose Abdoo and Desi Lydic also completed the lineup.

## Background & Context

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards kicked off Monday night in Los Angeles, with Mariska Hargitay as host. The event recognizes excellence across television programming, and its red‑carpet segment has become a staple of Hollywood fashion.

Ciara Miller serves as one of the hosts for E!’s coverage of the ceremony, often spotlighting fashion choices and celebrity moments. Adam Brody’s appearance added a classic touch to the evening’s sartorial narrative.

Niecy Nash‑Betts’ partnership with Jessica Betts reflects a growing trend of couples sharing the red carpet, drawing attention to both style and personal relationships within the industry. The ceremony’s host, Mariska Hargitay, has previously anchored the Emmy telecast, bringing her signature presence to each year’s opening remarks.

## What to Expect Tonight

While the early arrivals showcased a mix of bold and classic styles, many additional stars are still expected to arrive later in the evening. The fashion parade is far from over, with anticipation building for surprise appearances.

The Peacock Theater’s red‑carpet crowd included celebrities from a wide range of TV hits, suggesting that viewers can expect a diverse display of fashion statements from series like “The P.I.T.” and “Widow’s Bay.”

In addition to fashion, viewers are anticipating award announcements that could shift the television landscape, with potential upsets in categories like drama and comedy.

The red‑carpet event also highlights industry trends, such as couples presenting together, as seen with Niecy Nash‑Betts and Jessica Betts, signaling a broader acceptance of diverse relationship representations.

With hosts already setting a high bar for style, the Emmy night continues to serve as a key moment where television excellence meets celebrity fashion. Viewers can look forward to both awards and runway‑worthy moments as the ceremony unfolds.

Why It Matters

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards not only celebrated television excellence but also highlighted how the red carpet remains a powerful platform for fashion, representation, and cultural commentary. Mariska Hargitay’s decision to wear a bold red ensemble underscored her brand of confident, theatrical style while simultaneously setting a tone for the evening’s sartorial narrative. Lisa Rinna’s thigh-high slit created buzz among photographers and fashion critics alike, exemplifying how a single garment can dominate the visual conversation. Meanwhile, the coordinated look by Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts highlighted an increasing trend of same-sex couples presenting together, pushing industry norms toward greater inclusivity. For fans, these moments provide not just a snapshot of celebrity culture but also a lens through which societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ representation evolve. From a business perspective, designers and luxury brands benefit from the visibility that high-profile red carpets afford, translating runway choices into sales data and brand equity. Thus, the event operates at the intersection of entertainment, fashion marketing, and social progress, making it a focal point for industry stakeholders and audiences alike.

Our Take

While the Emmy red carpet undeniably offers a glamorous showcase for designers and brands, it risks eclipsing the core purpose of the awards: celebrating creative achievement. The heavy emphasis on fashion can divert attention from the television programs that earned the accolades, reducing the ceremony to a mere runway event. However, the inclusion of diverse couples like Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts demonstrates that the red carpet can also serve as a platform for social progress, normalizing LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. In balancing spectacle and substance, organizers must ensure that style enhances rather than overshadows artistic merit. If future ceremonies maintain this equilibrium, they can deliver both a feast for the eyes and a meaningful celebration of storytelling.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Mariska Hargitay
  • #Lisa Rinna
  • #Emmy Awards
  • #Niecy Nash

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