Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Matthew Rhys Makes Emmy History as Widow’s Bay Dominates
The Emmy Awards give prizes to television shows and actors.
The 78th ceremony was held in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026.
Matthew Rhys won two important acting awards in the same night.
He won for Widow’s Bay and The Beast in Me.
This made him the first performer reported to win two lead-acting Emmys at one ceremony.
Widow’s Bay was the biggest comedy winner, earning 14 awards from 19 nominations.
Jean Smart won for Hacks for the fifth time in a row, and Allison Janney reached eight acting Emmys.
The Pitt won the top drama prize again, while Rhea Seehorn won her first Emmy for Pluribus.
Michael J. Fox also received a humanitarian award for Parkinson’s advocacy.
Matthew Rhys won lead-actor Emmys for Widow’s Bay and The Beast in Me, becoming the first performer to win two lead-acting awards at one ceremony.
Jean Smart won her fifth consecutive comedy acting Emmy for Hacks, while Allison Janney earned her eighth acting Emmy for The Diplomat.
Widow’s Bay won 14 Emmys from 19 nominations, setting a record for a comedy series in one year.
The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series for a second consecutive year, with Noah Wyle repeating as lead drama actor.
Rhea Seehorn, Stephen Root, Kate O’Flynn and Michael J. Fox were among other notable honorees at the 78th Emmys.
- Who
- Matthew Rhys, Jean Smart, Allison Janney, Rhea Seehorn, Noah Wyle, Michael J. Fox, and other television performers and programs.
- What
- The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards honored television achievements and featured several record-setting wins.
- When
- Monday, September 14, 2026.
- Where
- The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
- Why
- The ceremony recognized achievements in comedy, drama, limited series, reality competition, variety television, and humanitarian work.
- Ceremony
- 78th Primetime Emmy Awards
- Host
- Mariska Hargitay
- Historic achievement
- Matthew Rhys won lead-actor awards for Widow’s Bay and The Beast in Me at the same ceremony.
- Top comedy winner
- Widow’s Bay won 14 Emmys from 19 nominations.
- Comedy record
- Widow’s Bay set a record for the most awards won by a comedy series in one year.
- Drama winner
- The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year.
- Humanitarian honoree
- Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for Parkinson’s awareness and research fundraising.
