Emmys Trifecta: Matthew Rhys Sets Two Emmy Records with Second Statuette of the Night
Rhys became the first performer to win lead-acting Emmys in drama, comedy and limited series after taking two trophies in one night.
- On Monday, September 14, 2026, actor Matthew Rhys made history at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards by winning two lead-acting trophies in a single ceremony, becoming the first performer to achieve this feat.
- Building on his 2018 drama victory for The Americans, Rhys became the first male actor to secure lead-acting Emmys across drama, comedy, and limited series genres.
- Rhys won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Netflix's The Beast in Me and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Apple TV's Widow's Bay.
- His victory for The Beast in Me was widely considered an upset over Oscar Isaac, while his comedy win for Widow's Bay was expected given the show's 19 nominations.
- Following these wins, Rhys will continue his collaboration with Apple TV, starring in the second season of the legal drama Presumed Innocent while Widow's Bay moves into its second season.
96 Articles
96 Articles
The 51-year-old Welsh actor also won Emmy Awards for his leading roles in Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me, which is unprecedented in the history of the award.
Matthew Rhys took home two awards for his leading roles in The Beast Within Me and Widow's Bay. Emergency Pittsburgh continues to dominate the drama series categories, with Michael J. Fox delivering a moving speech at the gala.
Emmys 2026 Best & Worst: Matthew Rhys Makes History, Rhea Seehorn Finally Wins & Mariska Hargitay Flops
Monday night’s Emmy telecast was one of the smoothest awards shows we’ve seen in years, moving at a brisk pace and somehow finding itself with time to spare heading into the final award. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson even got to take their time presenting Best Comedy Series to “Widow’s Bay,” a rarity for a ceremony that usually spends its final stretch racing against the clock—the rest of the night delivered plenty to talk about, inclu…
Matthew Rhys made history at this year's Emmy Awards! The Brit was the first actor to pick up two trophies for the best leading role in different categories on a single evening. But Jean Smart and Allison Janney were also able to enjoy a record at the Emmys.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Matthew Rhys makes Emmys history in highlight of otherwise flat ceremony
Even Taylor Swift lending her star power to a pre-taped skit couldn’t lift a patchy ceremony that was light on laughs and long on musical interludes, reports Kevin E G Perry
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
