Documentaries aiming for Emmy glory in 2026

Two big-name comedians from Canada are back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not for laughs. John Candy and Martin Short, who first teamed up decades ago on a sketch show, now have full documentary films about their lives in the running for Emmy awards. Candy’s film, made by Colin Hanks, digs into the actor’s big-hearted personality and why people still feel connected to him decades after his movies like Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Short’s project, helmed by Lawrence Kasdan, shows how the comedian stayed the same person even as his fanbase grew. Celebrity-focused documentaries often get a free pass at the Emmys, unlike at the Oscars. Last year’s winner was about Pee-wee Herman, and before that, a film about Jim Henson took home five awards. This year’s race includes a Netflix special on Eddie Murphy, a five-part look at Martin Scorsese’s career struggles, and even an unflinching look at Sean Combs’ legal troubles. Some of these films try hard to make their subjects look good, while others dig into messy truths.True crime fans won’t be left out either. HBO’s new series on the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Texas got a boost when police finally named a suspect—just weeks after the show aired. Netflix is also in the mix with a deep dive into the Gabby Petito case and a look at a deadly bombing in Oklahoma City. These projects show how true crime storytelling keeps evolving. Not all contenders are about crime or famous faces. A Peacock series shines a light on Black cowboys, a history often ignored. PBS brings us two very different stories: one about civil rights icon W. E. B. Du Bois, and another about America’s founding fathers—including the uncomfortable fact that many owned slaves. These films prove documentaries can tackle big ideas without sticking to one style. The Emmy nominations drop in July, right after the country’s 250th birthday. The race shows how documentaries can entertain, educate, and sometimes even change history.