Emmys Return to the Red Carpet After a Pandemic Era
The 74th Emmy Awards marked the long-awaited return of red carpet glamour. Held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, the celebration welcomed fans and television talent alike. Hosted by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson, the event showcased the year’s strongest TV programs with public, unrestricted acclaim as long as guests maintained up-to-date vaccination status.
After a virtual premiere in 2020 and a restricted ceremony last year due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Emmys returned to their traditional splendor for the first time since 2019. The night unfolded with exuberant style and grace as stars gathered in dazzling ensembles to honor excellence in television.
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Evening looks glittered like a disco ball as sequins and metallics dominated the carpet. Among the standout appearances was Jung Ho-yeon from The Squid Game, while some artists embraced a more classic, restrained elegance. Zendaya shone once again in a Valentino ensemble that evoked old Hollywood glamour, all in black with a strapless neckline. Some looks played with dramatic silhouettes or minimal fabric for bold statements.
Here are the best images from America’s premier television night:
Valentino to Zendaya
Zendaya won Best Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria and continued to set fashion standards on the carpet. Her stylist, Law Roach, helped cement her status as a fashion icon for a new generation. She received accolades for wearing a black Valentino design with a regal, old-Hollywood vibe. Her hair featured a loose, retro wave and a satin headband, complemented by Bulgari jewelry that underscored the elegance of the look.
Ho Yeon Jung in Louis Vuitton
Ho Yeon Jung celebrated her first Emmy nomination with a striking shimmering dress that blended lavender, peach, sage, and black. Louis Vuitton created a cut and geometric silhouette that highlighted her poised presence. The South Korean star has become a muse not only for the French house but also for major brands across the industry, with a chic half-up hairstyle and a central hairpin finishing the style.
Lily James in Versace
Lily James earned attention for a groundbreaking and sophisticated look while nominated for a 2022 Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Pam & Tommy. The Versace ensemble featured a metallic mustard tone with the house’s signature silhouette, including a corset-inspired waist and draped detailing at the chest. The actress complemented the gown with restrained makeup and a refined, goddess-like aura.
Julia Garner in Gucci
Julia Garner, widely celebrated for her role in Ozark, stood out for her Emmy win and a striking fashion choice. She wore a velvet Gucci column dress adorned with floral details and a distinctive cut that showcased her figure. The 28-year-old actress arrived with her husband, Mark Foster, wearing a messy blonde hairstyle, nude platform heels, and Swarovski earrings that completed a bold, modern look.
Christina Ricci in Fendi Couture
Christina Ricci embraced a natural, timeless look in copper-toned Fendi Couture with sequins that matched a shimmering handbag. The Wednesday Addams alumna completed her outfit with a straight bob and prominent bangs, delivering a refined and effortless red-carpet moment.
The Venice Film Festival launch and the Emmys together underscored a season where fashion and television storytelling converge. The night celebrated outstanding achievements across genres, with stars delivering memorable appearances that blended fashion influence with performance excellence. The event emphasized glamour, artistry, and the continuing evolution of television as a cultural force that resonates across North America and beyond. Attendees walked the carpet with confidence, signaling a renewed optimism for a post-pandemic era in entertainment.