The 2026 Emmy nominations have landed, and entertainment news Ireland fans have plenty to talk about. From Zendaya and Gary Oldman to Ayo Edebiri and Steve Carell, this year’s shortlist has delivered star power, surprise milestones, and a record-setting comedy contender that could reshape the awards conversation ahead of September.
Announced in Los Angeles by past Emmy winners Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller, the nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards spotlight a television year packed with prestige dramas, breakout comedies, and major streaming hits. For readers following Irish entertainment news and the wider awards circuit, the list offers a sharp snapshot of what is dominating TV and streaming right now.
Big names dominate the 2026 Emmy nominations
Among the headline-grabbing moments in entertainment news Ireland this week is Zendaya’s return to the Emmy race for Euphoria. She is nominated for lead actress in a drama series alongside Carrie Coon for The Gilded Age, Chase Infiniti for The Testaments, Keri Russell for The Diplomat, and Rhea Seehorn for Pluribus.
In the lead actor drama category, Gary Oldman earned recognition for Slow Horses, while Mark Ruffalo secured a nod for Task. They are joined by Sterling K Brown for Paradise, Rufus Sewell for The Diplomat, and Noah Wyle for The Pitt.
On the comedy side, Ayo Edebiri was nominated for The Bear, with Quinta Brunson, Elle Fanning, Lisa Kudrow, and Jean Smart also in contention. Steve Carell made the lead actor comedy list for Rooster, joined by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Matthew Rhys, Jason Segel, and Martin Short.
Hacks makes history as comedy race heats up
The standout stat in the latest entertainment news Ireland coverage is HBO Max’s Hacks, which set a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy series in a single year. The final season pulled in 24 nominations, edging past the previous benchmark of 23.
The outstanding comedy series field includes:
- Abbott Elementary
- Hacks
- Margo’s Got Money Troubles
- Nobody Wants This
- Only Murders in the Building
- Shrinking
- The Bear
- Widow’s Bay
For audiences tracking TV news Ireland and streaming news Ireland, this lineup reflects the continued strength of both traditional prestige comedy and platform-driven hits.
Drama contenders and a historic David Attenborough milestone
The drama category is equally competitive, with nominees including The Diplomat, The Gilded Age, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Paradise, The Pitt, Pluribus, Slow Horses, and Your Friends & Neighbours.
One of the most remarkable moments in this year’s entertainment news Ireland cycle came from David Attenborough. At 100, he became the oldest man ever nominated for an Emmy, receiving two nominations for outstanding narrator. His recognised work includes Netflix documentary film A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough and National Geographic’s Ocean with David Attenborough.
That achievement adds a historic dimension to this year’s race and is likely to feature heavily in global entertainment news and awards-season discussion over the coming weeks.
When to watch the 2026 Emmys
The 78th Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Monday, September 14, with Mariska Hargitay set to host. For viewers following what to watch Ireland, the ceremony is shaping up to be one of the key dates on the TV calendar.
Whether you are tracking star performances, prestige drama battles, or the biggest comedy upset of the year, the 2026 nominations have already given entertainment news Ireland a major talking point. The clear takeaway: this year’s Emmy race is stacked with familiar favourites, fresh momentum, and at least one record that may stand for years.
Image Courtesy: Extra.ie
Credit/Courtesy for the Article: Extra.ie
