LOS ANGELES: The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, one of the television industry’s most prestigious award ceremonies, were held on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony was hosted by acclaimed actress Mariska Hargitay, with outstanding performers and television productions honored across drama, comedy, limited series and several other major categories.
This year’s ceremony saw Widows Bay and The Pitt emerge as two of the biggest winners, while actor Matthew Rhys made history by winning two major lead acting awards in different categories on the same night.
Widows Bay Dominates the Comedy Categories
Apple TV’s Widows Bay enjoyed a remarkable run at this year’s ceremony. In addition to winning Outstanding Comedy Series, the show also secured several awards in acting, directing and writing categories.
According to reports, Widows Bay won a total of 14 Emmy Awards, setting a new record for the highest number of Emmys won by a comedy series in a single year.
Matthew Rhys was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widows Bay, while Kate O’Flynn won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Stephen Root took home Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
The Pitt Wins Outstanding Drama Series for the Second Consecutive Year
Medical drama series The Pitt continued its winning streak by securing Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year.
The show’s lead star, Noah Wyle, also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, securing his second consecutive victory in the category.
Matthew Rhys Scores Two Major Wins in One Night
One of the most notable moments of the ceremony was Matthew Rhys’ double victory. He won two major lead acting awards in separate categories on the same evening.
Rhys was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Best in Me, while he also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widows Bay.
With these victories, Rhys became the first male performer to win lead acting Emmy Awards across all three major categories: drama, comedy and limited series.
Jean Smart Secures a Fifth Consecutive Win
Hacks star Jean Smart reached another major milestone by winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
It marked her fifth consecutive victory in the category. With the latest win, Smart’s total number of acting Emmy Awards rose to eight, placing her among the most decorated actresses in Emmy history.
Rhea Seehorn Wins Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Pluribus, marking one of the notable moments of the 78th Emmy Awards.
DTF St. Louis Takes the Limited Series Award
DTF St. Louis won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
In the same category, Matthew Rhys won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Best in Me, while Sally Field was named Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Other Notable Winners
Other major winners at the ceremony included:
The Traitors — Outstanding Reality Competition Program
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert — Outstanding Variety Series
Tom Pelphrey — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Task
Allison Janney — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Diplomat
Stephen Root — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Widows Bay
Kate O’Flynn — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Widows Bay
Michael J. Fox Receives Special Honor
During the ceremony, renowned actor and philanthropist Michael J. Fox was honored for his humanitarian work. He received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in recognition of his philanthropic efforts and contributions to humanitarian causes.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the year’s leading television productions and performers while also producing several historic moments. Widows Bay’s record-breaking performance, The Pitt’s second consecutive Outstanding Drama Series win and Matthew Rhys’ historic double victory stood out as some of the biggest highlights of the evening.
