Mariska Hargitay sparks backlash over ‘cringe’ opening number at the 2026 Emmys: Live updates

The Law & Order: SUV actress was joined by Knicks star Jalen Brunson for the performance, which saw her singing a parody of the classic song I Love Rock and Roll.

She then delivered a hilarious monologue during which she cracked a joke about not being able to pronounce the word ‘finale’ because her show ‘never had one’ and quoted Nicole Kidman’s famous AMC ad, which prompted an interruption from Kidman herself.

Some people weren’t entertained by the opening number, however, and took to X to bash it, branding it as ‘cringe.’

She beat out fellow actresses Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, Katherine LaNasa, Sepideh Moafi, Julianne Nicholson and Karolina Wydra.

Former costars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz came on stage together to present an award 30 years after the show debuted, and boy, was it nostalgic.

He won for his role in The Beast in Me.

It was the actress’s fifth consecutive Emmy for her role in Hacks. An impressive feat, if you ask us.

Kate O’Flynn from Widow’s Bay won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Euphoria star Zendaya kept a straight face until a photographer shouted ‘Mrs. Holland’ at her on the Emmys red carpet this evening.

Although Zendaya and Tom Holland have not openly confirmed their nuptials, it was reported that the actors wed in secret back in August at Beaverbrook estate in Surrey, England, with Zendaya thought to have worn a lace Schiaparelli gown with a long-sleeved and high-neck design.

The Emmys 2026 kicked off award season in style – but it was the parade of skinny stars on the red carpet that caused the biggest stir.

Zendaya, Amy Poehler and Sarah Michelle Gellar were among the biggest names to descend on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on Monday night.