The 2026 Emmy Awards are fast approaching, and the directing categories are heating up with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, compelling documentaries to dazzling variety shows, this year’s contenders are setting the stage for an exciting competition.
With nomination-round voting already underway from June 11-22 and nominations set to be announced on July 8, the race is on to see who will take home the coveted statuettes. The final voting runs from August 17-26, leading up to the Creative Arts Awards and Governors Gala on September 5-6, and culminating with the main Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14, broadcast on NBC.
The Drama Series Directing Race
In the drama series directing category, Vince Gilligan is making a strong case for recognition with his latest project, Pluribus. Despite already having 23 Emmy nominations and four wins to his name, Gilligan remains a compelling contender. His previous nominations include the Breaking Bad pilot, the Season 4 episode Face Offand the series finale Felina. He also earned a bid for directing WitnessSeason 3, Episode 2 of Better Call Saul. With such a impressive track record, Gilligan is a front-runner in this year’s drama directing race.
Comedy and Limited Series Contenders
The comedy series directing category is expected to be dominated by Lucia Aniello for the final season of HBO Max’s Hacks. Aniello’s work on this critically acclaimed series has garnered significant attention, making her a strong contender. Meanwhile, the limited/anthology series category could see multiple directors from Beef slipping into the fray, adding an element of unpredictability to this race.
Documentary and Variety Series Directing
The documentary directing category is shaping up to be particularly exciting, with Rebecca Miller (Mr. Scorsese), Lawrence Kasdan (Marty, Life is Short), and Colin Hanks (John Candy: I Like Me) leading the pack. Each of these directors has brought a unique vision to their projects, making this category one to watch.
In the variety series directing category, the final episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is up for consideration, with director Yvonne De Mare in the running. The variety special category features stalwarts like Hamish Hamilton for the Bad Bunny Halftime Show and Glenn Weiss for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Showalong with another bid for the 78th Annual Tony Awards.
The Emmy Awards Timeline
The Emmy Awards timeline is well underway, with key dates to mark on your calendar. Nomination-round voting is currently in progress from June 11-22, with nominations set to be announced on July 8. Final voting runs from August 17-26, leading up to the Creative Arts Awards and Governors Gala on September 5-6. The main Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on September 14, broadcast on NBC, bringing the curtain down on this year’s exciting competition.
