The biggest names in entertainment celebrated excellence in television during the 2026 Emmys.
Mariska Hargitay hosted a star-studded 78th annual ceremony — featuring cameos from newlywed Taylor Swift and New York Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson — but some of the most exciting moments happened while the cameras were not rolling.
From Harrison Ford tearing up during Michael J. Fox’s Bob Hope Humanitarian Award acceptance speech to a heartfelt tribute for the late Catherine O’Hara bringing the house down, Us staff were in attendance at the Peacock Theater to witness it all.
One particularly dramatic moment occurred during a powwow between controversial NFL star Aaron Rodgers’ exes Shailene Woodley and Olivia Munn while Kaley Cuoco shared a sweet kiss with fiancé Tom Pelphrey following his Emmy win for Task. Guillermo Rodriguez even had time to campaign for some Dancing With the Stars votes from Us while attending the industry gala.
Keep scrolling to learn what Us saw firsthand while inside at the 2026 Emmys:
A Meeting of Aaron Rodgers’ Exes
One of the most unexpected off-camera moments took place when two of Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers’ exes, Shailene Woodley and Olivia Munn, seemingly had a deep conversation.
Fresh off Rodgers’ controversial comments about Woodley, the Paradise actress was seen shaking her head during her and Munn’s deep conversation. Munn showed support by holding Woodley’s hand.
There is no telling exactly what the two ladies were discussing, but it has certainly been an eventful week to be one of Rodgers’ exes.
Later in the evening, Shailene walked over to join Munn and her partner John Mulaney as they chatted with Jason Segel and his fiancée Kayla Radomski. Woodley hugged Munn, before telling Segel and his fiancée, “Oh, a wedding! Congrats, when and where?! I’ll be there!”
Kaley Cuoco Beamed As Fiance Tom Pelphrey Accepted His Emmy
No one was happier for Task star Tom Pelphrey than his pregnant fiancée Kaley Cuoco when he won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The Big Bang Theory actress jumped out of her seat to share a kiss with Pelphrey before he headed towards the stage to accept his award.
Cuoco was visibly emotional — even tearing up at times — as her beau called their family “the crown jewel of [his] life” during his acceptance speech.
The happy couple seemed to be thrilled when they were introduced to Shailene Woodley later in the night. Woodley offered her congratulations to Pelphrey on his big win.
The ‘Pluribus’ Cast Showed Rhea Seehorn Lots of Love
The former Better Call Saul actress was greeted with huge cheers from her Pluribus cast and crew when she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Rhea Seehorn returned the love on the Emmy stage during her acceptance speech, as she thanked her “dear beloved cast” as well as the “whole crew, my producers, my writers, the incredible background artists on the show.”
Us witnessed Seehorn looking like she was on cloud nine as she celebrated her first Emmy win after three previous nominations.
Keri Russell was seated nearby and later congratulated Seehorn on her big moment, telling her it was “so f***ing nice what [she] said” in her acceptance speech. The two chatted and posed for a photo together.
The Emmys Bar Was Jam Packed
The backstage bar was a madhouse with celebrities nearly packed wall-to-wall while they refreshed themselves in between televised segments. Nobody Wants This’ Adam Brody hung out with costars Timothy Simons and Jackie Tohn, making sure to hydrate with water and chowing down on popcorn.
Guillermo Rodriguez Campaigned for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Votes
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick was outgoing as he greeted fans, taking time to pose for photos and have a few brief conversations.
With the DWTS premiere mere hours away, Guillermo Rodriguez made sure to canvas Us for votes. (He is paired with professional partner Witney Carson on DWTS season 35, which airs a two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16.)
‘The Bear’ Costars Took a Breather
Ayo Edebiri and Abby Elliott — who play Sydney and Natalie on The Bear — were spotted walking back into the Peacock Theater after taking a breather. The two were locked in conversation as Abby held a beverage in her hand.
The Bear’s single Emmy win this year was particularly emotional as the award went to the late Rob Reiner for his guest appearance on the dramedy.
Brooks Nader Was Quite the Attraction
Sports Illustrated cover model Brooks Nader took pictures with people throughout the night as she joined Baywatch costars Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin, Thaddeus LaGrone and Hassie Harrison at the gala.
Nader also delighted in some of the refreshments at her table, chomping down on handfuls of chips.
During a bathroom break, Brooks touched up sister Sarah Jane Nader’s makeup as she relayed a story about someone telling her, “You think you’re all that and a bag of chips.” The two joked about their excitement to change into more comfy clothes after the show ended.
The Nader sisters were later seen exiting the venue arm-in-arm.
Stephen Colbert Had a Late-Night Reunion
The Emmys almost turned into an episode of the beloved “Strike Force Five” podcast when the final season of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Variety Series. Fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart were among the first to congratulate Stephen Colbert, with the trio hugging before Colbert made his way to the stage.
Colbert delivered a stirring acceptance speech, defending late-night TV as a vital proving ground for young entertainment professionals. He made a quick exit as the ceremony concluded, yet he still stopped to take photos with fans in the lobby.
Lisa Rinna Strutted Her Stuff
The RHOBH alum was seated in the first row with husband Harry Hamlin alongside TV legend Jane Seymour and the casts of Widow’s Bay and Abbott Elementary.
At one point, Lisa Rinna got up to stretch her legs with a little dance to entertain Hamlin.
Jason Segel Was Living His Best Life
It seemed to Us like nobody had more fun at the Emmys this year than Jason Segel. When he wasn’t chatting with Olivia Munn and John Mulaney, he mingled with celebs like Sterling K. Brown during commercial breaks.
The Shrinking actor seemed to take his Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series loss in stride as he soaked in the evening with fiancée Kayla Radomski. (Matthew Rhys won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award for Widow’s Bay.)
Schitt Creek’s and ‘Home Alone’ Stars Honored the Late Catherine O’Hara
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when three of the late Catherine O’Hara’s onscreen kids — Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin as well as Schitt’s Creek duo Dan Levy and Annie Murphy — honored her immense legacy.
Lisa Rinna cheered from the audience when Levy mentioned in his speech that O’Hara told him she’d “always say yes” to any character over 60 wearing a miniskirt and a wig. Later in the night, Levy and Murphy relished their reunion as they chatted away at their table.
Casual Exits
Us observed a relatively calm scene when the stars started exiting the Peacock Theater at the end of the night. Shrinking’s Lukita Maxwell gave costar Luke Tennie a peck on the cheek as they parted ways.
Dance Mom’s Abby Lee Miller was vibrant as ever in bright blue sparkling sneakers as she left the event while Colman Domingo had a few friendly interactions with fans.
There were selfies galore as Emmy winner Jean Smart, Baywatch’s Noah Beck and Stephen Colbert all took time to pose for photos for fans as they headed to the after-parties.
