There are awards nights that celebrate those who are here. And others that remember those who could no longer be there.
The 2026 Emmys made space to say goodbye to some of the figures who shaped television and died during the past year. The most emotional moment began with Catherine O’Hara, remembered by Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy.
Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, remembered her as his “mom”, while his Schitt’s Creek co-stars shared stories about the actress who brought joy to entire generations.
Then, the faces of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Hayden Panettiere, Eric Dane, Bob Mackie, Sam Neill and many other artists who left their mark on the industry appeared on screen.
As Noah Kahan performed Bridge Over Troubled Water, the entire theater fell silent at the images of those who once made millions of people laugh, moved them, and kept them company through television.
The tribute ended with Rob Reiner. Jamie Lee Curtis remembered him as her beloved “Meathead”, the character he played in All in the Family more than 50 years ago. Days earlier, Reiner had posthumously received an Emmy for his role in The Bear, adding another honor to a career that spanned generations.
It was a moment to remember that, although some of the people we watched for years may no longer be here, their characters, their stories and the emotions they evoked are still there.
Because sometimes television also knows how to say goodbye.