In a standout evening of celebrations at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmys, Linda Cardellini claimed her first Emmy award. The actress was honoured with the title of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role as Carol Love-Smernitch in HBO’s critically acclaimed series, *DTF St. Louis*. The prestigious ceremony took place over the weekend, wrapping up on Sunday, September 6.
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This accolade marks a significant milestone in Cardellini’s career, as it is her fourth Emmy nomination. Prior to this victory, she had been recognised for her performances in notable series such as *Dead to Me* and *Mad Men*. Reflecting on the complexity of her award-winning role, Cardellini described it as “very different” from her previous characters, noting that Carol is not one to easily express her emotions. She expressed delight at the opportunity to portray such an “opaque” character, revealing that viewers’ perceptions of her role evolve throughout the narrative.
Among the nominees in this category were Dakota Fanning, Laurie Metcalf, Joy Sunday, Youn Yuh-jung, and Constance Zimmer. Fanning received recognition for her performance as Jenny Kaminski in the Peacock original *All Her Fault*. In addition to her acting nomination, she has also garnered executive producer credit for *Margo’s Got Money Troubles*, which is nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Fanning took to Instagram in July to share her joy, stating she was “bursting with happiness” over her achievements.
Laurie Metcalf, another seasoned nominee, earned her 14th Emmy nomination for her role as Augusta Gein in *Monster: The Ed Gein Story*. Additionally, she was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in season five of *Hacks*, a role that previously earned her an Emmy win in 2022. Metcalf’s history with the Emmy Awards is notable, as she has won four times, previously receiving accolades for her performance as Jackie Harris on *Roseanne*.
Joy Sunday made her Emmy debut this year, recognised for her portrayal of Detective Jodie Plumb in *DTF St. Louis*. Celebrating her first nomination, she shared heartfelt memories on social media, reflecting on her journey and dedication to pursuing her dreams. In her candid post, Sunday conveyed gratitude to the Television Academy for acknowledging her efforts.
Youn Yuh-jung, who won an Academy Award for her role in an earlier film, also received her first Emmy nomination for her performance as Chairwoman Park in the second season of *Beef*. This series received a total of 16 nominations, highlighting its critical success. Notables such as Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan were also nominated for their performances in the show.
Constance Zimmer was nominated for her portrayal of Ann Marie Messina in the series *Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette*. This recognition counts as her second nomination, and she described her role as deeply fulfilling and emotionally resonant. In an Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude for being part of a project that touched her on multiple levels.
The Creative Arts Emmys were held in Los Angeles at the Peacock Theatre, spanning two days and showcasing a diverse array of talent and creativity in television. This year’s ceremony will be edited into a broadcast that airs on FXX on Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. Additionally, the Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to air live on NBC and Peacock on Monday, September 14, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, promising to continue the celebration of excellence in television.
In an industry marked by fierce competition, this year’s nominees reflect an impressive range of performances and storytelling, highlighting the rich tapestry of talent in contemporary television.