Hacks stars – Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs walked the 2026 American Music Awards red carpet in matching, over-the-top looks—complete with belt buckles featuring each other’s faces—while pushing back on the idea they were doing cosplay. They’ll also present together during
Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs stepped onto the red carpet together at the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
They looked like a pair with a plan—matching outfits. matching accessories. and a single message bouncing between their poses and their answers. Belt buckles featuring each other’s faces became an instant focal point as they turned for photos. Stalter’s look leaned into the dramatic: a long black wig covering up her chest. thin eyebrows covering up her real ones. and blue eyeshadow.
For Stalter and Downs, the styling wasn’t meant to read as costume theater. It was meant to read as something else.
Asked about whether they were doing cosplay, both co-stars pushed back. Downs scoffed at the idea, saying, “Cosplay? I’m finally allowed to be myself. I came to Vegas with just Meg and no one else? Yeah, I get to be myself. TSA almost threw us right out the plane. Southwest style.”
Stalter didn’t let the moment pass without turning it into a joke with an edge. “This is our every day looks, who are we cosplaying as? Two hot models? Who do music?”
The pair also leaned into the care that comes with a shared look. Downs was seen combing Stalter’s hair on the carpet, giving her an assist as they posed.
The timing of the appearance adds another layer: the actors made the red-carpet appearance just days before the Hacks series finale airs on HBO Max.
Later in the evening, they’re set to present together during the show.
The awards themselves arrive with big expectations and a familiar headline. The AMAs will be hosted by Queen Latifah, returning as host after more than 30 years since she previously hosted. The broadcast is scheduled for tonight at 8/7c on CBS, and Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 8 nods.
Meg Stalter Paul W. Downs Hacks American Music Awards 2026 MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas Queen Latifah Taylor Swift HBO Max red carpet