'Widow's Bay' Actor Matthew Rhys Makes Emmy History with Double Win

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys achieved a historic milestone at the Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, by winning an Emmy for lead acting in three distinct genres within a single night. The Widow's Bay star became the first performer in Emmy history to accomplish this feat, marking a significant achievement in the award's 78-year history.

Rhys secured the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series award for his portrayal in the psychological thriller The Beast in Me, as well as the lead comedy actor prize for Apple TV's supernatural comedy Widow's Bay. This double win further solidified Rhys' legacy, adding to his previous 2018 Emmy for lead acting in a drama series for The Americans.

Before his win, Barbara Stanwyck was the only performer to achieve a similar accomplishment, winning all three lead actress categories between 1961 and 1983. Rhys dedicated his victories to the people of Wales, acknowledging their support and contribution. Backstage, Rhys expressed his pride in being Welsh, stating that moments like these help Wales make its mark on the world.

He also reflected on the unexpected nature of winning for The Beast in Me, as he narrowly edged out the presumed frontrunner, Oscar Isaac, for Beef. Rhys received a substantial number of nominations, with 14 wins for both Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me, making it the most awarded series at the 2026 Emmy Awards.