LOS ANGELES: Welsh actor Matthew Rhys made Emmy Awards history by becoming the first performer to win two lead acting awards on the same night at the prestigious US television ceremony.
Rhys received the honours for his performances in supernatural comedy series “Widow’s Bay” and psychological thriller “The Beast In Me”, securing victories in both the limited series and comedy categories.
👏 ‘To the great and good people of Wales’
Llongyfarchiadau i Matthew Rhys sydd wedi creu hanes yng ngwobrau Emmy drwy ennill dwy wobr am brif rôl actio mewn un noson. pic.twitter.com/GDCvTLRLZy
— Newyddion S4C (@NewyddionS4C) September 15, 2026
The actor dedicated his second award to Wales, describing the country as a “small but mighty nation” and thanking those who supported his career.
Historic Emmy Achievement
Rhys won the Outstanding Lead Actor award in a limited series for “The Beast In Me” before later collecting the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series prize for “Widow’s Bay”.
Kate O’Flynn wins the #Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Widow’s Bay” ✨ pic.twitter.com/Rsq5W6CKLW
— Television Academy (@TelevisionAcad) September 15, 2026
While several actors had previously received nominations in two lead acting categories in the same year, Rhys became the first to win both awards.
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Speaking backstage, he said the achievement allowed him to represent Wales on a global stage and highlight the talent emerging from the country.
Major Winners Announced
Other winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards included Jean Smart, Allison Janney and Stephen Colbert.
Smart won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks”, earning her fifth Emmy for the series and eighth acting award overall.
Janney also claimed her eighth Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for “The Diplomat”, matching the record for most acting wins shared by several television legends.
The Pitt Wins Drama Prize
“The Pitt” won the night’s top drama award, while its lead actor Noah Wyle secured his second consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Michael J. Fox awarded the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, at the Emmys. Please listen. Great speech.
“Initially, I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret. I worried that it would affect my work and my relationship with audiences. Would they laugh if they knew I was sick? And then…
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 15, 2026
The ceremony also honoured Michael J. Fox with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his advocacy work supporting Parkinson’s disease research.
Fox received a standing ovation as he spoke about his journey after being diagnosed with the condition at the age of 29.
