Matthew Rhys makes Emmy history by netting two best actor awards on same night

Emmy Awards 2026: Full list of winners as British star Matthew Rhys makes history asserted

Picking up his second prize of the night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the 51-year-old Welshman paid tribute to “the great and good people of Wales”, which he hailed as “a small but mighty nation”. asserted

He later went on to net the best lead comedy actor award for Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay. asserted

Taken together with his 2018 drama win for The Americans, he is the first male performer to win in all three lead acting categories. asserted

In his acceptance speech at the 78th annual Emmy Awards ceremony, Rhys thanked his parents and his sister for her “sage words and patient, patient listening”. asserted

He added: “Finally, to the great and good people of Wales, who were as much a nurturer as anyone else. asserted

Speaking backstage holding both Emmys, Rhys said: “The celebrations will be long, varied, and I hope at times wild.” asserted

Other homegrown talent to pick up an Emmy included “Lancashire lass” Kate O’Flynn, who won best supporting actress in a comedy series for playing city worker and social outcast Patricia Moyer in Widow’s Bay. asserted

Speaking from the stage, O’Flynn said: “This is the role of a lifetime. asserted

The show, created by Katie Dippold about a New England island community dealing with a centuries-old curse, broke the record for a comedy show by receiving a total of 14 awards, including best comedy series. asserted

Sir Gary Oldman missed out for the third year running on the award for lead actor in a drama for his starring role as veteran MI5 agent Jackson Lamb in hit Apple TV series Slow Horses. asserted

The prize went to The Pitt actor Noah Wyle, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Oldman and his body of work. asserted

The medical drama, set in a Pittsburgh emergency department, won best drama for the second year running. asserted

Full list of winners at the Emmy Awards 2026 Drama Best Drama Series: The Pitt Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle, The Pitt Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tom Pelphrey, Task Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Allison Janney, The Diplomat Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Ernest Harden Jr, The Pitt Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Shailene Woodley, Paradise Directing for a Drama Series: Saul Metzstein, Slow Horses Writing for a Drama Series: Vince Gilligan, Pluribus (“We Is Us”) Comedy Best Comedy Series: Widow’s Bay Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, Hacks Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Rob Reiner, The Bear Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Betty Gilpin, Widow’s Bay Directing for a Comedy Series: Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay Writing for a Comedy Series: Katie Dippold, Widow’s Bay Reality Competition Series: The Traitors Variety Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Limited or anthology series and movies Best Limited or Anthology Series: DTF St Louis Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: David Harbour, DTF St Louis Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Linda Cardellini, DTF St Louis Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: DTF St Louis Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: DTF St Louis Television Movie: Remarkably Bright Creatures Variety and special awards Variety Special (Live): The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Variety Special (Pre-recorded): The Muppet Show Writing for a Variety Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Outstanding Animated Programme: South Park asserted