Across the cottage-like complex, Smart—who won her fourth best actress in a comedy Emmy for Hacks—settled into one of the Bungalows’ outdoor booths, surrounded by meticulously pruned greenery. She refueled with a Brussels sprouts salad and received congratulatory hugs and kisses from Hacks creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky. Soon, Smart’s costars Megan Stalter and newly minted Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder—her fourth nomination and first win, for supporting actress in a comedy—joined the celebratory powwow. Then servers brought out two white cakes topped with sprinkles to mark Smart’s 74th birthday and Stalter’s 35th. The crowd sang “Happy Birthday,” and Smart told Stalter, “Make a wish! Make it a good one.” The two blew out their candles, and Stalter kissed Smart’s hand in thanks.
Around 10:30 p.m., Wyle made a triumphant entrance, strolling into the fête clutching his two Emmy trophies. After five acting nominations in the 1990s for playing a rookie doctor on ER without a win, he finally took home his first Emmy for lead actor in a drama series for The Pitt. He earned a second on Sunday night as a producer. With his wife, actress Sara Wyle, by his side, he nestled into the Bungalows’ oak-paneled living room and was greeted with a huge ovation. “It’s been an incredible night. A dream come true,” Wyle told a guest as they hugged. The couple celebrated with a shot of tequila and an orange wedge.
Wyle’s costar Katherine LaNasa was a surprise winner in the supporting actress in a drama series category, edging out several contenders from The White Lotus, including Carrie Coon. LaNasa and her husband, Melrose Place alum Grant Show, joined Wyle in the cozy living room to loud, enthusiastic cheers. “I’m feeling overwhelmed with joy,” LaNasa said, taking a quick breather from mingling with friends. “I’m humbled to have gotten these votes from my fellow members of the Academy. It’s so meaningful to me.” The veteran actress stunned in an Old Hollywood–style strapless ivory ball gown with a ceil-blue bow. “I feel very beautiful in this Jason Wu gown,” she added. “I’m very humbled that he made it for me.”
Perhaps the night’s biggest surprise was Jeff Hiller, who won best supporting actor in a comedy for Somebody Somewhere, marking his first Emmy. “I feel like I’m on top of the world,” Hiller said as he zigzagged through the club’s interior courtyard, Emmy in hand.
Just after midnight, LaNasa hit the dance floor. Then the cast of The White Lotus—including Aimee Lou Wood, Lalisa Manoban (Lisa from Blackpink), Jason Isaacs, Nicholas Duvernay, and Monaghan—linked up to dance the night away. As French DJ duo Doppelganger spun crowd-pleasers like “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, the group twirled, bopped, and gyrated for a rousing send-off. It was a final hurrah as the TV awards-season cycle officially came to a close.
The late-night bash wrapped well past 1 a.m., with Wyle among the last to leave. Guests were gifted HBO Max–branded slippers, and many happily swapped out their heels for the slip-ons. Winners departed San Vicente Bungalows with an Emmy in one hand and their Louboutins in the other, sauntering to their cars.