Emmys 2026: Who's Actually Favored to Win on September 14?

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards air live Monday, September 14, on NBC and Peacock, hosted by Mariska Hargitay.

Nominations were announced back in July, with "The Pitt" leading all series with 25 nods, followed by "Hacks" with a record-breaking 24. Now, with the ceremony just days away, here's who's actually favored to take home the night's biggest trophies.

"The Pitt" is the heavy favorite for Outstanding Drama Series, and star Noah Wyle is considered close to a lock for Lead Actor. That's the same Noah Wyle whose Dr. Robby character drew attention from faith outlets earlier this year for a quiet, unscripted-feeling moment reciting the Hebrew Shema prayer after a mass-casualty shift - a detail that's kept the show in conversation with faith audiences well beyond its nomination count. Rhea Seehorn ("Pluribus") is favored for Lead Actress in Drama, a race that's opened up after a quieter season for reigning winner Zendaya ("Euphoria").

"Hacks" is favored for Outstanding Comedy Series, with Jean Smart heavily favored to repeat as Lead Actress. Lead Actor in Comedy remains one of the night's real toss-ups, with Paul W. Downs ("Hacks") and Michael J. Fox ("Shrinking") both in the mix.

The Limited or Anthology Series race is considered the tightest on the board, with "Beef" holding a slight edge but no clear runaway favorite.

The complete list of nominees across all 27 categories is available on the Television Academy's website.

Related article: Emmy Nominations 2026: "The Pitt" Leads With 25 Nods as Faith Press Praises Its Quiet Prayer Scenes