2026 Emmys: Jean Smart and Matthew Rhys Make History as Tributes and Viral Moments Dominate
At the 2026 Emmys, Jean Smart achieved her fifth consecutive Emmy for her performance in Hacks, marking her as the first actress to win for every season of a series. Matthew Rhys made a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first male to secure best lead actor in a drama, comedy, and limited series, winning twice in one evening. The event featured tributes to Dolly Parton and Catherine O'Hara, along with performances by Reba McEntire and insights from Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy. Host Mariska Hargitay interacted with the audience, while Alan Cumming encouraged voter registration. John Mulaney's DJ Khaled quote was bleeped, and Stephen Colbert recognized his wife during his acceptance speech. The final award was presented by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.
Key facts
- Jean Smart won her fifth consecutive Emmy for Hacks, becoming the first actress to win for every season of a show's run.
- Matthew Rhys became the first man to win best lead actor in drama, comedy, and limited series, with two wins on the same night for Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me.
- Reba McEntire performed "Appalachian Memories" in tribute to Dolly Parton.
- Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy paid tribute to Catherine O'Hara.
- Alan Cumming accepted the outstanding reality competition Emmy for The Traitors and reminded viewers to register to vote.
- John Mulaney was bleeped while quoting DJ Khaled and reading from an acting guide found at the Glendale public library.
- Stephen Colbert and his writing staff accepted their last Emmy as a team for outstanding variety series.
- Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey presented the final award, plugging their new show Brothers.
Entities
Artists
- Mariska Hargitay
- Nick Offerman
- Alan Cumming
- John Mulaney
- Nick Kroll
- DJ Khaled
- Rachel Sennott
- Taylor Swift
- Stephen Colbert
- Evelyn McGee Colbert
- Reba McEntire
- Dolly Parton
- Catherine O'Hara
- Macaulay Culkin
- Dan Levy
- Annie Murphy
- Woody Harrelson
- Matthew McConaughey
- Jean Smart
- Matthew Rhys
Institutions
- Emmys
- Hacks
- The Traitors
- Law & Order: SVU
- Schitt's Creek
- Brothers
- Widow's Bay
- The Beast in Me
- The Americans
- Glendale public library
- Independent Spirit Awards
Locations
- Glendale
- United States