Host Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU” star, opened the ceremony with song and dance, performing an “I Love TV Screens” parody of Joan Jett’s classic “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

“I’m incredibly proud to be the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years,” Hargitay, who won two statuettes for her documentary “My Mom Janine,” told the audience of her peers before offering a few jokes about her long-running show.

Apple TV’s “Widows Bay,” in which Matthew Rhys plays the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, has emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.

It received eight awards at the pre-gala ceremonies, and is on track to become the most awarded comedy series in a single year, surpassing the 13 trophies won last year by Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio.”

Rice, winner of best drama actor for “The Americans” in 2018, may now be poised to earn his first comedy Emmy.

But before the award was decided, he won an Emmy for lead actor in a limited series for his terrifying role in “The Beast in Me.”

A strong night for “Widow’s Bay” doesn’t bode well for “Hacks,” the story of a stand-up comedian trying to revive his career and the useless millennial assistant who helps him.

But its star Jean Smart won her fifth award in as many seasons for the series as Best Comedy Actress.

The win was her eighth acting Emmy, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman as the artist with the most.

A few minutes later, Allison Janney equaled the record by winning Best Drama Supporting Actress for “The Diplomat.”

-‘The Pit’ expected to repeat as best drama –

“The Pit,” last year’s winner for best drama, chronicles stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.

Dealing with everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is a favorite to win multiple drama awards, including Best Series.

It led all shows with 25 nominations, and had already won four awards at the inaugural ceremonies, including Best Casting for a Drama Series.

Star Noah Wyle, who won several awards last year, including an Emmy, is expected to win again.

For best drama actress, “Pluribus” star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for political soap opera “The Diplomat” are seen as top contenders.

In the limited series categories, HBO Max’s “DTF St. Louis,” the story of a middle-aged love triangle gone wrong, is a top contender.

The show has won six awards to date, including two for actors David Harbor and Linda Cardellini.

– Dolly Tribute –

The 78th Emmy Awards ceremony will pay tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner. Country singer Reba McEntire is expected to sing one of Parton’s songs, industry media reports.

It will also include a performance by Noah Kahn, who will sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the In Memoriam segment of the broadcast.

Some TV memories will also be shared at the ceremony, with presenters including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz, as well as “Charlie’s Angels” stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd and Jacqueline Smith.

Zendaya, a former winner and current nominee for Best Drama Actress for “Euphoria,” appeared on the red carpet to celebrate NBC’s 100th anniversary with a new pixie cut and a glittering metallic Prada gown, which was actually peacock blue.

Bureau-MDO/SST

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