The Emmy Awards are industry prizes, not a public poll. Eligible National Active members of the Television Academy vote online, with access determined by membership status and professional peer group.
Two rounds, two purposes
The nominations round narrows submitted entries into the final nominees. The final round chooses winners. For the 78th Emmys, final-round voting ran from August 17 through August 26, 2026.
Who votes in each category?
Members across peer groups can vote in major programme categories, with exceptions for certain specialist programme areas. Individual achievements—such as directing, writing, editing or sound—are generally judged by the relevant professional peer group.
Nominees cannot vote in a category in which they are nominated during the final round. The rules also prohibit quid-pro-quo and coordinated block voting intended to manipulate results.
What happens in a tie?
The 2026 procedures say a final-round tie is broken by comparing the tied nominees' relative voter approval in the nominations round. Independent accountants tabulate the ballots, and winners are announced at the Creative Arts ceremonies and telecast.
The Television Academy provides the official 2026 rules and an overview of how an Emmy is won. Explore more Entertainment coverage.
