2026 Emmys open with early winners and an emotional posthumous tribute

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards began the week in Los Angeles with early winners, industry signals and an unusually emotional tribute to Rob Reiner, who received a posthumous award for his guest performance in the fourth season of “The Bear.”

Mariska Hargitay won both best documentary and best direction for a documentary for “Jayne Mansfield, My Mother,” which is available on HBO Max. Hargitay, who will host Monday’s main Emmy ceremony, accepted the double recognition while recalling the late writer and feminist activist Gloria Steinem.

“My hero and friend Gloria Steinem told me, ‘Please tell your own story,’” Hargitay said. “I think the most important thing we can do for one another is know their story. I was able to get to know my mother through this story. It was an indescribable gift to me.”

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My hero and friend Gloria Steinem told me, ‘Please tell your own story.’ I think the most important thing we can do for one another is know their story. I was able to get to know my mother through this story. It was an indescribable gift to me.

Sunday’s ceremony turned solemn when Reiner’s name was announced as the winner for best guest actor in a comedy. Wendi McLendon-Covey presented the category, read his name and accepted the award on his behalf. Reiner, the actor and director, was killed with his wife in December, and the audience at the Peacock Theater gave a standing ovation.

“Everyone wishes he were here,” McLendon-Covey said, visibly moved. The Creative Arts Emmys lack the glamour of the main ceremony, but they offer an early measure of the programs competing for the top awards. “The Pitt,” with 25 nominations, finished the weekend with five trophies, including awards for dramatic-series casting, prosthetic makeup and promotional material. “The Curse of Widow’s Bay” and “DTF St. Louis” also emerged as leading contenders in comedy and limited series categories.

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Everyone wishes he were here.