Emmy 2026: 'The Pitt' Leads With 25 Nominations

The Television Academy unveiled the nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards on Wednesday, July 8, and medical drama ‘The Pitt’ walked away with 25 of them. No other title came close this year. The list was announced at the Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, and Hollywood immediately started counting who has the best shot at television’s Oscar.

‘The Pitt’ reached the top on the strength of a best drama series nod and a full run of acting nominations. Right behind it is the fifth and final season of comedy ‘Hacks’ with 24 nominations. Next come horror-comedy ‘Widow’s Bay’ with 19, drama ‘Pluribus’ with 18, and Netflix’s ‘Beef’ with 16.

Who is breaking records this year?

While ‘The Pitt’ leads on total count, the real story is ‘Hacks’. With its 24 nominations, the show’s final season breaks the record for the most nominations a single comedy season has ever received. The series went out in style, and the Academy clearly rewarded it.

Taylor Swift was not left out either. The pop star landed a nomination for her concert film ‘The Eras Tour: The Final Show’, only the second nomination of her career. Her name on the Emmy list drew instant attention from fans, who lit up social media the moment the list dropped.

The race is tight this year in both drama and comedy. ‘The Pitt’ and ‘Pluribus’ share the same televised turf, while in comedy ‘Hacks’ bows out on a record. Votes from Academy members will decide which of the favorites actually lifts a statue in September.

Which stars are back in the mix?

The acting categories are packed with familiar names this year. Nominees include Sally Field, Claire Danes, Zendaya, Quinta Brunson, Martin Short and Lisa Kudrow. Some of them return to the race after years away, while others defend the standing they have already built on the small screen.

For audiences following most of these shows through streaming platforms, the list is also a reminder of what was worth watching last season. ‘The Pitt’ and ‘Hacks’ already have their fans, so plenty of viewers will be rooting for specific favorites right up to the ceremony.

It all comes down to September 14 in Los Angeles, at the Peacock Theater. The ceremony is hosted by actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role in ‘Law and Order’, a choice that adds extra weight to the night. Until then, the favorites have time to build their campaigns and audiences to pick sides.

So who are you rooting for this year, team ‘The Pitt’, or are you hoping for a surprise on the big night?