The over-50 fashionistas who dominated at the 78th Emmy Awards

Fresh off taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Diplomat, 66-year-old Allison Janney proved that a major award victory deserves an equally iconic look. Allison hit the red carpet in a sleek black mermaid gown featuring a whimsical, cloud-like trim of soft pastel pink feathers draped across her shoulders. The contrast between the dramatic black tailoring and the playful pink plumage is pure sartorial joy. Paired with a sharp blonde bob and a black evening clutch, Allison accepted her trophy looking like absolute television royalty.

Nicole Kidman, 59, looked every inch the Hollywood legend in a pristine ivory dress that redefined classic red-carpet elegance. Styled with a soft golden curtain fringe, minimal jewellery, and classic black pointed-toe shoes, Nicole balances old-Hollywood glamour with a fresh, modern edge. Coming off another stellar television season, Nicole’s presence remains the gold standard of effortless, statuesque red-carpet dressing.

Multiple Emmy winner Jean Smart, 75, celebrated another banner year in television looking like absolute Hollywood royalty. The Hacks star wore a breathtaking black-and-silver gown featuring a deep V-neckline and a shimmering metallic pleated bodice. The highlight of the dress is its dramatic blouson sleeves, which bring whimsical volume. Jean proved once again that true red-carpet glamour only deepens with time.

Celebrating her milestone 50th year and nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for The Diplomat, Keri Russell turned up the heat with one of the night's boldest looks. Keri bypassed traditional chiffon and silk, opting instead for a jaw-dropping backless black leather halter gown. The dress features a high-collared neckline that cascades down into a body-sculpting floor-length skirt with a dramatic reaslit. Accessorised with statement rings and a sleek, wet-look up-do, Keri delivered a fearless, rock-and-roll edge that proves 50 is the ultimate decade for confident fashion.

Attending as a supporting actress nominee for The Pitt, 59-year-old Katherine LaNasa brought floating, ethereal beauty to the occasion. Katherine chose a breathtaking ice-blue silk slip gown featuring a delicate cowl neckline and a graceful, sweeping train that trailed behind her on the carpet. The pale pastel hue complements her blonde hair, while delicate diamond drop earrings add just the right touch of sparkle. 

At 69, Abbott Elementary icon Sheryl Lee Ralph turned heads in a strapless column gown featuring a stunning, painterly mosaic pattern in rich tones of olive green, chartreuse, gold, and soft white. Her cascading dark waves and stunning smile complete the high-octane look.

Beloved two-time Oscar and Emmy winner Sally Field, 79, brought pure warmth and high-voltage sparkle to the Emmys. Sally lit up the blue carpet in a stunning sapphire-navy blue column gown completely coated in light-catching micro-sequins. Styled with her trademark black-framed glasses, a radiant smile, and soft silver-brushed waves, Sally delivers an inspiring reminder that sparkle is the ultimate ageless accessory.

Taking on the ultimate duty as host of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, 62-year-old Mariska Hargitay shone brighter than anyone in the room. The Law & Order: SVU icon commanded the stage in a dazzling, liquid silver sequin strapless gown that caught every spotlight in the Peacock Theater. With her radiant smile and chic brunette bob and bold red lip, Mariska handled hosting duties with infectious charm, proving she is a master of both live television and show stopping glamour.

Ryan Michelle Bathe, 50, brought pure sunshine to the blue carpet in a sensational butter-yellow gown. Embracing the season's premier pastel shade, the actress chose a strapless chiffon creation featuring exquisite micro-pleated draping across the bodice that wraps gracefully at the waist before opening into a subtle thigh-high slit and a sweeping train. The Boston Legal star looked effortlessly luminous—proving that your second act is all about glowing with absolute confidence.

Calista Flockhart, 61, brought a burst of joyful, high-octane colour to the evening, stepping out in an asymmetric hot-pink chiffon gown. The dress features delicate micro-pleating across the bodice that wraps into a single-shoulder strap, flowing down into a floor-length skirt with a delicate cascading train. The vibrant fuchsia shade illuminates her complexion, complemented by a chic textured bob and simple gold earrings. Calista proves that vibrant, saturated jewel tones are an incredible choice for midlife red-carpet dressing. 

Always a champion of avant-garde red-carpet fashion, Cynthia Nixon, 60, made a bold, artistic statement in a deep plum plissé pleated cape dress. Styled with metallic shoes, subtle drop earrings, and a sleek brushed-back blonde pixie hair look, Cynthia’s outfit is a reminder that formal dressing should be an expression of personal art and confidence.

At 60, Emmy royalty Julianna Margulies delivered an absolute masterclass in sculptural black-tie elegance. The Good Wife alum stepped onto the blue carpet in a striking black column gown elevated by a spectacular pleated cape wrap. The cape begins in a rich crimson red at the shoulder before cascading into a deep black ombré finish across her body. By keeping her hair in a sleek side-parted bun and opting for minimal diamond jewellery, Julianna allowed the dramatic dress to take centre stage. 

Nominated for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Margo's Got Money Troubles, 68-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer wowed in understated luxury. Michelle chose a midnight-black draped satin maxi dress featuring a deep V-neckline and long sleeves, cinched at the waist by a gorgeous sunburst crystal brooch. It’s a look that feels completely timeless - just like she is.

At 63, comedy icon Lisa Kudrow brought sleek, architectural sophistication to the blue carpet. Lisa elevated the classic black gown by pairing a fluid satin floor-length dress with a structured, cropped tuxedo jacket featuring bold satin lapels. 

The emotional highlight of the night belonged to Rhea Seehorn, 54, who captured her very first Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Pluribus. Matching the magnitude of her historic victory, Rhea hit the red carpet in a fiery crimson red gown featuring a softly draped cowl neck and a pleated, gathered waistline. The vibrant red hue paired brilliantly with her sleek blonde bob and delicate diamond collar necklace.