Historic Wins and Record Ties
Jean Smart won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her role in Hacks, securing her fifth award for that character across five seasons. This victory made her the first female performer to win an Emmy for every season of a show. With eight total Primetime Emmy acting wins, Smart now shares the record for most acting victories with Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Visibly moved, Smart acknowledged the room and playfully instructed the men to remain standing so the women could sit.[S1]
Rhea Seehorn won her first Emmy for leading actress in a drama series for Pluribus. Previously nominated twice for Better Call Saul, Seehorn was visibly emotional during her acceptance speech, joking about being on a beta blocker. She thanked her cast and crew, as well as fellow nominee Keri Russell, who had sent her a pre-show card quoting Gloria Steinem: we are linked, not ranked. Seehorn also praised creator Vince Gilligan for providing a safe and collaborative environment.[S1]
Surprises and Standout Moments
Matthew Rhys won lead actor in a limited or anthology series for The Beast in Me, a result he described as a real shock given the caliber of his fellow nominees. He thanked the show's writing team and his intimidating scene partner, Claire Danes. Rhys had been expected to win for comedy actor for Widow's Bay, raising the possibility of a rare double victory. Meanwhile, Allison Janney won supporting actress in a drama series for The Diplomat, an upset that many pundits had not predicted. Janney now holds eight Emmys, the most for any actress in Emmys history.[S1]
Kate O'Flynn took home the supporting actress in a comedy series trophy for Widow's Bay, and she seemed truly stunned to receive her first significant acting honor in the US. She described the part as the role of a lifetime and devoted her acceptance speech to all the Patricias, a nod to oddball social outsiders who keep a straight face while cracking jokes and somehow keep crossing paths with the supernatural. Mariska Hargitay emceed the event at the Peacock Theater, where attendees saw a pretaped bit featuring New York Knicks standout Jalen Brunson and a spoof of Nicole Kidman's AMC opening, which Kidman herself cut into. The carpet was peacock blue in honor of NBC's centennial.[S1]
