Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Matthew Rhys Makes Emmy History With Two Lead Wins
Matthew Rhys won two very important acting awards at the Emmys in one night.
He won for a limited series called The Beast in Me and a comedy called Widow’s Bay.
No one had won both lead acting prizes at the same ceremony before.
Widow’s Bay was the night’s biggest show winner, taking 14 awards.
The Pitt won the best drama award for the second year in a row.
Jean Smart and Allison Janney each reached eight acting Emmy wins.
Michael J. Fox was honored for helping people with Parkinson’s disease.
The ceremony also remembered actors Catherine O’Hara and Dolly Parton.
Matthew Rhys became the first performer to win both lead acting Emmys in one ceremony, for The Beast in Me and Widow’s Bay.
Widow’s Bay led the awards with 14 total wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series.
The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series for a second consecutive year, while Noah Wyle won lead actor.
Jean Smart and Allison Janney each reached eight career acting Emmy wins, tying the all-time record.
Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, while tributes honored Catherine O’Hara and Dolly Parton.
- Who
- Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay, The Pitt, Jean Smart, Allison Janney and Michael J. Fox were among the major honorees.
- What
- The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards recognized television performances, programs, humanitarian work and the careers of late performers.
- When
- At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards; the article also identifies the ceremony as the 2026 Emmy Awards.
- Where
- At the Emmy Awards ceremony; the articles do not specify a location.
- Why
- The awards honored achievements in television, humanitarian advocacy and contributions to the entertainment community.
- Historic acting achievement
- Matthew Rhys became the first performer to win both lead acting Emmys in a single ceremony.
- Rhys’s winning programs
- He won Lead Actor in a Limited Series for The Beast in Me and Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay.
- Top overall winner
- Widow’s Bay won 14 awards across the Creative Arts and Primetime ceremonies.
- Best drama
- The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year.
- Acting-win record
- Jean Smart and Allison Janney each reached eight acting Emmy wins, tying the all-time record.
- Humanitarian honor
- Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for Parkinson’s advocacy and philanthropy.
- Limited-series acting record
- Sally Field became the oldest winner of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at age 79.