It was a huge night for the Apple TV horror-comedy Widow's Bay at the 2026 Emmy Awards as the show cleaned up. Stephen Root and Kate O'Flynn took home supporting acting awards for their roles, with Katie Dippold and Hiro Murai earning awards for writing and direction, respectively.
But it was the lead star that really made history on Monday night.
Matthew Rhys heard his name called for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for his role in The Beast in Me. A short while later, his name rang out again, this time for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow's Bay.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor in history to win 2 leading acting Emmys in the same year. See the full winners list: https://t.co/7rIuXlwYlJ
pic.twitter.com/8nvUCtrC9s
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 15, 2026
This marks the first time that any actor has won two Emmy Awards for leading acting in the same year, etching his name into the record books. He's also the first actor to win an Emmy for all three main lead categories as he won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for The Americans in 2018.
Rhys, who is married to Keri Russell (The Diplomat) could end the night with three Emmy Awards as Widow's Bay is up for Outstanding Comedy Series.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Award history with double win
