The 78th Emmy Awards ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14, with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay serving as host. The night delivered several historic moments, led by Matthew Rhys, who made Emmy history by winning two lead actor awards at the same ceremony. Rhys first won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay, defeating a competitive field that included Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Wonder Man), Steve Carell (Rooster), Jason Segel (Shrinking), and Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building). He later won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me, defeating Riz Ahmed (Bait), Jason Bateman (Black Rabbit), Charlie Hunnam (Monster: The Ed Gein Story), and Oscar Isaac (Beef) Widow’s Bay was the evening’s biggest comedy winner. The series entered the ceremony with 19 total nominations and dominated the awards, ultimately collecting 14 Emmys and breaking the record for the most awards won by a comedy series in a single year. Emmy Awards 2026 Winners List Outstanding Comedy Series
Widow’s Bay
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy SeriesMatthew Rhys – Widow’s BayOutstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy SeriesJean Smart – HacksOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesStephen Root – Widow’s BayOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesKate O’Flynn – Widow’s BayOutstanding Writing for a Comedy SeriesWidow’s Bay, “Welcome to Widow’s Bay!” – Katie DippoldOutstanding Directing for a Comedy SeriesWidow’s Bay, “Welcome to Widow’s Bay!” – Hiro MuraiOutstanding Drama SeriesThe PittOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesNoah Wyle – The PittOutstanding Lead Actress in a Drama SeriesRhea Seehorn – PluribusOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama SeriesTom Pelphrey – TaskOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesAllison Janney – The DiplomatOutstanding Writing for a Drama SeriesPluribus, “We Is Us” – Vince GilliganOutstanding Directing for a Drama SeriesSlow Horses, “Scars” – Saul MetzsteinOutstanding Limited or Anthology SeriesDTF St. LouisOutstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or MovieMatthew Rhys – The Beast in MeOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or MovieSally Field – Remarkably Bright CreaturesOutstanding Reality Competition ProgramThe TraitorsOutstanding Variety SeriesThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert