Matthew Rhys reportedly makes Emmy history with double lead-acting win
The Welsh actor won lead acting prizes for The Beast In Me and Widow’s Bay, dedicating his second award to the people of Wales.
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has reportedly become the first person to win two lead acting prizes in one night at the Emmy Awards, according to the BBC.
Rhys was named best lead actor in a limited series for The Beast In Me before winning best lead actor in a comedy for Widow’s Bay. He dedicated his second award to “the great and good people of Wales”, describing the nation as “small but mighty”.
The result distinguishes Rhys from actors including Alan Alda, Sally Field, John Goodman, Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson, who had previously been nominated for two lead acting prizes in the same year without winning both.
Widow’s Bay also earned a supporting comedy acting award for Kate O’Flynn, who was recognised for playing Patricia in the series about a fictional island affected by a centuries-old curse.
Other major winners included Jean Smart, who won best comedy actress for Hacks, and Allison Janney, who took best supporting actress in a drama series for The Diplomat. Both reached eight acting wins, equalling a record shared with Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The Pitt won best drama, while its lead actor Noah Wyle won in the drama category for the second consecutive year. Michael J Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his advocacy and fundraising for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
