Comedian Meg Stalter turned heads at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday night, arriving in a striking gold costume that mimicked the iconic Emmy trophy. The “Hacks” star, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, wore golden wings and carried a spherical prop resembling the award itself.
Stalter’s bold red‑carpet choice reflects her reputation for challenging conventional attire. In an April interview with Marie Claire, she explained, “Every red carpet appearance or anything that I get to do in front of people, I want to have fun and make the most of it because it’s my dream.” The actress added that the team worked hard to reach this moment and now intends to enjoy it fully.
Partner in crime
Joining Stalter on the carpet was “Hacks” co‑star Paul W. Downs, who has become her on‑screen partner for many award‑season stunts. The duo previously turned the Critics Choice Awards into a comedy moment with matching orange outfits inspired by Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.
According to an August interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Emmy‑trophy idea originated from “Hacks” producer Genevieve Aniello, who suggested the pair recreate the look. Downs initially thought the concept impossible, but Stalter responded confidently, “We’re going to get it done.”
First Emmy nomination
This ceremony marks Stalter’s first Emmy nomination, recognizing her performance as Kayla Schaeffer in the fifth and final season of “Hacks.” The news was delivered by Downs in July after Stalter missed his FaceTime call while watching reality TV. “I texted her ‘Meg,’ and then she’s like, ‘What? What’s going on?’” Downs recalled to TheWrap. When he finally told her she had been nominated, Stalter thought he was joking. “Once I convinced her that I wasn’t pranking her, she was shaking,” Downs said.
Stalter also celebrated a Broadway debut this summer, taking over the title role in Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!” The Emmy nomination arrives as she prepares to say goodbye to the role that launched this chapter of her career. In a recent interview with ELLE, she expressed mixed emotions about the upcoming end of “Hacks” and the prospect of no longer sharing press duties with Downs.
Despite the bittersweet notes, Stalter remains optimistic. “Unless we film a show now to come out next year,” she suggested, hinting at future collaborations with her longtime scene partner.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
