Emmys 2026: Wydra Backs Intimacy Coordinators as Pelphrey Jokes About Dying On Screen

Television's leading performers walked a blue carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday night for the 78th annual Emmy Awards, an event broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

The carpet's unconventional colour echoed the network's peacock emblem, adopted as NBC marks its centenary this year. The ceremony was hosted by three-time Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay, who was also a double nominee for directing and producing the documentary "My Mom Jayne."

Karolina Wydra of "Pluribus" used her appearance to highlight the growing role of intimacy coordinators in television production. She said the change was the most significant development she had witnessed, recalling earlier shows where such support was absent and performers felt exposed rather than unsafe. Wydra added that having another woman ensure scenes were handled properly made actors feel safe and cared for, and she called for continued efforts on women's rights, on making their voices heard, and on ending ageism so that performers of any age can take on a wide range of roles. She also praised her collaborator Vince as thoughtful, caring and respectful, noting that on a scene requiring her to appear nude he ensured the camera operator was female so she would feel more comfortable.

Tom Pelphrey of "Task" addressed his habit of playing characters who do not survive. He said his mother had remarked that his roles tend to be killed off, and that each outcome has felt like the only possible one. Asked whether he had perfected the death scene, he replied that it remains difficult and expressed hope that he would keep improving at it.

Taylor Dearden of "The Pitt" described learning of the show's nomination while on set, where cast members do not bring phones. She said the moment was incredible and that being together made it all the more special.

Shawn Hatosy, also of "The Pitt," said the recognition meant a great deal, pointing to the show's large number of acting nominees and the strength of its ensemble. He credited showrunner John Wells with creating memorable characters and said character is king.

Constance Zimmer of "Love Story" spoke about portraying real people and real events, saying the cast worked hard to show they cared about the characters. She said the audience response had been a huge compliment, and that although little was known about her character, she wanted viewers to remember her.

Comedian and actor Marcello Hernández, appearing with his mother, said his work drew on how he was raised by a strong Cuban woman and that he was grateful audiences could get to know his home life, which he described as funny.