A host of A-list celebrities have arrived on the red carpet for the 2026 Emmy Awards, but not every star-studded fashion moment has been a success. Some of the evening’s earliest looks have already delivered plenty of drama—and several memorable style missteps.
Taking place at the Peacock Theatre, the ceremony will celebrate excellence across television and will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay.
HBO’s medical drama The Pitt leads this year’s Emmy nominations with 25 nods. HBO’s Hacks follows closely behind with 24 nominations.
The 2026 Emmy Awards feature a wide range of categories, from reality competition program and outstanding variety series to comedy series.
Among the high-profile guests is Zendaya, who is nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in the hit show Euphoria. Noah Wyle, a star of The Pitt, is also in contention for Best Actor in a Lead Role.
With the ceremony scheduled to begin at 8pm EST, celebrities made their way to the venue in a series of eye-catching ensembles, from bold statement outfits to thoroughly over-the-top red carpet creations.
While several stars turned heads for all the right reasons, others struggled to make their looks work.
The evening’s fashion faux pas included Derek Hough’s oversized green silk suit and Lisa Ann Walter’s gothic black gown, which featured dramatic tulle sleeves.
Here are the worst-dressed stars on the 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet.

Gothic glamour gone too far? Lisa Ann Walter appeared ready for Halloween in a strapless black ruched gown with a dramatically flared skirt. The look was completed with voluminous black tulle sleeves and an elaborate updo that added even more theatrical flair.

A shade too bold? Professional dancer and DWTS host Derek Hough stepped onto the red carpet in an oversized dark green silk suit featuring black button detailing on the jacket. He layered it over a hunter-green silk shirt and finished with metallic patent-leather green loafers.

More New York Fashion Week than Emmy Awards? Lisa Rinna arrived in a sparkling black gown with dramatically puffed sleeves, a plunging V-neckline and a high leg slit. She paired the statement dress with slicked-back hair and a silver pendant necklace.

A literal Emmy look! Comedian Meg Stalter transformed herself into a human award, covering her body in metallic gold paint and wearing oversized gold wings incorporated into her hairstyle. Gold heels, mini shorts and a halter-style crop top completed the playful ensemble. She is pictured with fellow comedian Paul Downs.

Ready for afternoon tea rather than an awards ceremony? Journalist Keltie Knight opted for a flowing light-pink satin skirt with a bubble hem and dramatic high-low finish, teamed with a cropped white top. Pink satin heels embellished with rubies at the toes and dangling gold earrings completed the look.

A look that ruffled plenty of feathers! Eunice Bae arrived in a bright yellow halter-neck gown covered in feathers. The dramatic dress featured a deep V-neckline and a high-low hem, while strappy silver heels and a bold red lip provided the finishing touches.

Miranda would never! Cynthia Nixon arrived to the Emmys red carpet in a maroon gown that appeared to have a creased pattern. The dress featured a dramatic waist and over-the-top, one-shoulderd look. She showed off the neckline by wearing her hair in a slick bun, and wrapped it together with a pair of nude Manolo Blahnik heels with their signuature silver brooch at the toe

A bit too formal? Actress Lisa Kudrow channeled a menswear-inspired look, wearing a strapless, black silk gown topped with a cropped blazer jacket. She did not accessorize with any jewelry, except for her wedding rings

Going to prom or the Emmys? Rachel Sennott looked like she was off to a high school dance as she donned a hot pink, see-through gown with ruched detailing at the bust and shoulders. The gown showed off her legs, while she styled her hair in a half-up, half-down ponytail and diamond jewelry