More big names are arriving on the Emmys blue carpet, including host and actress Mariska Hargitay, and the stars of shows nominated for awards.

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This year's Emmy nominees have begun to arrive on the blue carpet, from Adam Brody of Nobody Wants This to Krys Marshall from Paradise.

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David Willis and Regan Morris

Welsh actor Gerran Howell, who does a convincing American accent as Dr Dennis Whitaker on the buzzy medical drama The Pitt, says members of the medical community have been the show's biggest fans.

“It's taken off," Howell told the BBC at a pre-Emmys party. "It's become a real word-of-mouth thing. It's amazing."

And, he added, he's grateful it has recently become available to audiences back home in the UK.

Howell says the The Pitt's reputation for showing the realities of an American emergency department in action have fascinated British audiences and healthcare workers.

"I think the medical communities are very different," he says. "I'd like to think of it as maybe a bit of a cautionary tale for our system, however different it is from the American system."

He adds that he knows many Americans are envious of Britain’s free national healthcare.

“A lot British people are very shocked seeing the American healthcare system," he says. "But you know, we've got our faults too.”

Nardine Saad
at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Image source, Nardine Saad / BBC

Droves of celebrity handlers dressed in black - from security to publicists - are posted throughout the complex named LA Live where the Emmys are taking place. The ceremony is mostly confined to the Peacock Theater and blue carpet leading to its doors, but the set-up around it is vast.

I'm in the media centre in the JW Marriott hotel waiting for this year's winners to come back and address the press with their trophies in hand. Already, this ballroom, which has been converted into a journalist's workspace, has plenty of celebrities and their teams milling about for before-show interviews, getting their portraits taken for the Emmy magazine or reuniting with cast-mates they haven't seen since they wrapped filming.

I just saw Matty Matheson, the chef who was a consultant on The Bear and who became a fan favourite, as well as the cast of Hacks, make their way through the building.

The sheer number of people here for the festivities - whether they're working or guests - is a gleaming example of just how much the entertainment industry gives this city its heartbeat.

David Willis and Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

Hanelle Culpepper is nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for her work on the political thriller Paradise and if she wins, she will make history.

“If I won, it would be very meaningful because I'll be the first black woman to win in this category,” she told us at a pre-ceremony party hosted by BAFTA.

“And hopefully that just helps to continue to pave that path that has already been laid before me so that it's easier for everyone coming behind me.”

Culpepper says it’s hard for everyone to make it in Hollywood, but for women and people of colour, mistakes can be more difficult to overcome and there's no room for being mediocre. If a female-directed film performs poorly at the box office, for example, women directors are often blamed as a whole.

“My goal has always been just to give my A-plus game so that I can't be the excuse for someone not to hire another woman or another person of colour,” she said.

Hugh Pym
Health editor

Image source, Warner Brothers

It's a familiar sight - a crowded waiting room, trolleys in corridors, stressed doctors and nurses. But this isn't a typical A&E unit in the NHS. It's a Hollywood set with actors recreating the drama of an emergency department for TV series The Pitt.

And among its biggest fans are real-life doctors.

"We finally feel validated for everything we go through every day," says Dr Tony Cirillo, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

On Monday, The Pitt could become this year's most decorated series at the Emmys, with 25 nominations.

Doctors and others in the medical profession say, for them, it's the most realistic medical drama yet - which is why they love it.

"The Pitt is more than just a good TV show," Cirillo says. "The term I use is validation."

Read my full report on why doctors and nurses think The Pitt is not only "watchable" but also "relatable".

The steady climb of streamers at awards shows, explainedpublished at 23:26 BST

23:26 BST

Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Given the huge changes in the entertainment landscape over the last two decades, it’s no surprise that the Emmy nominations are once again dominated by streaming services.

You’re far more likely to see a Netflix or Apple show cropping up these days than TV shows that are broadcast the old-fashioned way - once a week, in a scheduled time slot.

That’s not to say there aren’t shows from traditional broadcasters being recognised at this year's awards show. School-based comedy Abbott Elementary is nominated across multiple categories and has won a couple of big prizes in the past.

But traditional shows often find it harder to build awards momentum. Streamers have the luxury of choosing how many episodes they make per season and can whip up enough anticipation to make their release feel like a real event.

Shows such as Abbott Elementary, in contrast, are often obligated to churn out 20 to 25 episodes per season in order to fill the broadcast schedules. That means they arguably spread themselves more thinly, and don’t ignite the same must-watch passion in fans.

As we've been reporting, the ceremony is due to get under way in the next couple of hours, kicking off at 17:00 local time (20:00 EDT). It will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

US viewers can watch the Emmy Awards live on NBC or on streaming service Peacock.

In the UK, it will start at 01:00 BST on Tuesday morning, but no British broadcaster is scheduled to show it live.

However, there will be overnight coverage on the BBC News website - including right here - throughout the red carpet and ceremony.

We'll be bringing you live updates on this page until the last statue is handed out, as well as analysis about the night's upsets and surprises.

Sareen Habeshian
Reporting from Los Angeles

It's only the 78th Emmys tonight, so what's with the 100 figure next to the Emmys logo?

That's marking the centenary anniversary of NBC - the broadcaster of the 2026 Emmys.

NBC aired its first radio broadcast on November 15, 1926 - almost 100 years before today's award show.

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BBC Wales News

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who stars in Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me, is nominated for his work in both shows at tonight's Emmys.

But, when asked if he would rather win an Emmy or a BAFTA Cymru - the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts - he tells the BBC without hesitation it would be the latter.

“Home audiences are always the one you want to please the most, always,” Rhys says.

Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

Everyone is sweltering on the Emmy’s blue carpet today, with the afternoon temperature reaching 85F (29C),

Fans are the must-have accessory. I was expecting a tented, air conditioned carpet and didn’t bring one.

We are all feeling sorry for men wearing tuxedos. Everyone is sweating. Even though there's some cold air blowing onto the carpet, the stars are dripping as they arrive and stop and talk - almost as much as the media on the wrong side of the air conditioners' blast.

Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

At 64, veteran character actor Dale Dickey is a familiar face from dozens of movies and TV shows. But her powerful and funny performance as Rosemary in Widow’s Bay has garnered her more attention than usual, with many predicting she’ll win the Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy series.

Self-deprecating and craggly-voiced, Dickey is enjoying the ride, despite saying the Television Academy decided to “throw her a bone” by nominating her after so many years working in TV and movies.

“I’ve been around a really long time,” she said on the carpet of the BAFTA pre-Emmys party. “I’m thrilled. It’s lovely to have people embrace the show so much.”

Waving to British actor Rufus Sewell of The Diplomat on the carpet, Dickey says they were old friends from living in New York and now they see each other on the awards circuit. The star of Widow’s Bay, Matthew Rhys, is married to the star of The Diplomat, Keri Russell, so the shows have a personal connection. And both Rhys and Russell are nominated as well.

The green dress Dickey wore to the party was decorated in tiny boats, a tribute to Widow’s Bay, she said. The horror comedy has been a critical hit in its debut season. Dickey says the show has such a unique tone and perspective that she encourages anyone who thinks they don’t like horror to check it out.

“If you stick with it, the comedy balances it out,” she said.

Nardine Saad
at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Image source, Reuters

There are a handful of first-time nominees in the acting categories this year, although some of them aren't new to the awards show-circuit.

Carey Mulligan of Beef and Sarah Pidgeon of Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette are nominated for their first time as lead actresses in a limited, anthology series or movie category.

In the drama series category, Oscar-nominated One Battle After Another actress Chase Infiniti, 26, is nominated for her role as June's rebellious daughter in Hulu's The Testaments, a spin-off of the hit series The Handmaid's Tale.

Song of Anarchy alum Charlie Hunnam, who plays suspected serial killer Ed Gein in Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story, also received a nod as lead actor in a limited series, anthology or movie category.

Shows nominated for the first time in their respective categories this year are the Apple TV horror comedy Widow's Bay, the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Apple TV's post-apocalyptic science fiction tale Pluribus, from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan.

Briefcases on the blue carpet: Names of the Emmy winners have arrivedpublished at 22:51 BST

22:51 BST

Sareen Habeshian
Reporting from Los Angeles

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Sealed briefcases containing the names of this year's Emmy winners have arrived on the blue carpet.

Representatives from Ernst & Young carried the silver cases into the award show. The firm is the official independent accounting firm for the Television Academy and is in charge of counting and verifying all ballots cast by voting members.

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Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie, famous for dressing stars like Cher and Diana Ross in extravagant designs, has died at the age of 87, his social media accounts announced Monday.

Mackie had an outsized impact on the entertainment industry, and his designs are frequently referenced in TV shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and Hacks.

Mackie even appeared as himself in the fifth and final season of Hacks, which is nominated for a number of awards at tonight's Emmys.

Mackie is mentioned throughout the series as having designed looks for Jean Smart's character Deborah Vance. When he appears in the final season, Vance calls him to ask if he can loan her a white pantsuit he designed for Carol Burnett that Vance has become obsessed with.

Mackie tells Vance he doesn't have it, sending her on a wild goose chase to get it from its new owner.

The show's creators have said they were thrilled to finally have Mackie on the show.

With his death announced just hours before the Emmys, it's not clear if he'll be featured in the In Memoriam portion of tonight's show.

Image source, Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

David Willis and Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

Image source, NBC via Getty Images

The blue carpet greeting those at the Emmys tonight may match the underlying mood in Hollywood - but many here are putting a brave face on it.

And at an annual pre-show gathering one series was on everyone’s lips: The Pitt.

Made in LA (but set in Pittsburgh), the show became a beacon of hope for those around Hollywood who are unemployed and worried about slumping production in the US as producers increasingly move to the UK, Canada and elsewhere.

“With COVID and with the strikes on top of each other, I know a lot of people just had to hang it up,” says Jeff Kober, who is nominated for being a guest actor on The Pitt and also for his role on General Hospital, the first actor to earn both a primetime and daytime Emmy nomination in the same year.

HBO, which had many actors to choose from, didn’t actually nominate Kober for Emmy consideration. He submitted himself, a bold move that paid off.

“I think the talent will always find its way forward as long you don't quit,” he said.

Not since ER hit our screens a quarter of a century ago has a medical drama proved as popular as The Pitt. A gritty emergency room drama that casts an often unflattering eye on the American healthcare system, it has 25 Emmy nominations.

“It asks existential questions about what it is to live and die,” says actress Sepideh Moafi, who is nominated for best supporting actress in a drama series, the first Iranian and Middle Eastern woman to do so.

"People see their own lives reflected in those stories.”

Image source, Reuters

Outside of Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, here's a look at some of the other famous couples who have been nominated side-by-side in past years at the Emmys:

• Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) and Naomi Watts (Feud)
• Tracy Letts (Winning Time) and wife Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age)
• Sarah Paulson (Mrand Mrs Smith) and Holland Taylor (The Morning Show)
• Fargo’s Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons
• and Hacks duo Lucia Aniello and Paul W Downs

Nardine Saad
at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Image source, Getty Images

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell fell in love while portraying spies on the Emmy-nominated series The Americans, but tonight they’re both up for acting awards in different projects.

Welsh actor Rhys is nominated for his lead roles in the Netflix limited series The Beast in Me and Apple TV horror-comedy Widow’s Bay, while Russell is up for her lead role as a US ambassador to the UK in the Netflix drama The Diplomat. (Both also have nods for their executive producer roles.)

This will be the fourth time the pair has attended the awards show when they're both up for nominations. From 2016 to 2018, they both received nods for their lead roles in the FX series The Americans.

The long-term couple, who are not legally married, met on the set of that drama and sparked rumours of an on-set romance in 2014. They made their relationship red-carpet official that same year. Russell, who has two children from her previous marriage, welcomed her first child with Rhys in 2016.

When Rhys won the Emmy for his role in The Americans in 2018, he joked during his acceptance speech that Russell would punch him “clean in the mouth” if he proposed onstage - a riff on an earlier marriage proposal during that telecast.

When Russell accepted an Actor Award earlier this year, she ended her speech with a nod to her former co-star and partner, saying "Happy St David's Day to my Welsh guy”.

Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter

Image source, Reuters

You might have noticed the buzziest show of the last year, Heated Rivalry, starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, is missing from this year's Emmy nominations.

The ice hockey romance did not qualify because it is a fully financed Canadian production, without the US involvement needed to be recognised at the Emmys.

Its ineligibility puzzled many who remember Schitt's Creek, a show more Canadian than maple syrup, dominating the Emmys in 2021.

But that qualified because of its financial and broadcast partnerships in the US, including creator and star Dan Levy's own American-based production company.

Heated Rivalry will instead be eligible to compete for the next International Emmys, which take place in New York in November.

The final series of Stranger Things is absent in the top categories this year, scoring only seven nominations in technical categories.

And despite its star-packed cast, Euphoria's last season managed only one acting nomination for former winner Zendaya.

Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter

Image source, Reuters

Whenever a particular show gets a truckload of Emmy nominations, it’s usually a show of strength and a sign that it will score at least some prizes on the night.

But it also can create a tricky situation for the stars, who often find themselves nominated against each other.

Medical drama The Pitt has a whopping eight acting nominations this year, seven of which are across the same two categories - best supporting drama actor and actress.

This can actually harm a show's chances, because it can split the vote. The Pitt might have a lot of love in the Television Academy, but if voters are all opting for different actors to win, that leaves the pathway clear for a nominee from a totally different show to come through the middle and snatch the win.

The Pitt’s lead star Noah Wyle is the only one unaffected by the show’s abundance of nominations, as he’s the only nominee from the series in the leading actor category.

But nominees from the same shows or films often publicly champion each other - so hopefully the dynamic hasn’t been too awkward on set.

We broke down the stats on the nominated shows earlier, you can find it here.