‘Widow’s Bay’ breaks Emmys record with 14 wins including best comedy series, ‘Pitt’ wins best drama

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards concluded with Widow's Bay emerging victorious, winning six awards in categories including Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series and Best Comedy Writing. Matthew Rhys, who portrayed a New England mayor on the island of Widow's Bay, made history by becoming the first man to win two lead acting categories in a single year.

His partner, Keri Russell, supported him during her own award for The Diplomat. The show also claimed the top prize in its first category, with Kate O Flynn winning Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance as Patricia, the loyal mayoral assistant. Stephen Root secured Best Supporting Actor, acknowledging his fellow nominees and thanking Harrison Ford for his years of great acting.

The debut season of Apple TV's horror comedy, Pluribus, won eight Creative Arts Emmys, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Rhea Seehorn, who expressed shock at her win after previous nominations for Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul. Vince Gilligan, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Pluribus, received the Emmy for Writing for a Drama Series, reflecting on the current reality of the world and advocating for respect and kindness among colleagues.

Host Mariska Hargitay began the show with a cringeworthy interpolation of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," joking about being interrupted by Australian superstar Nicole Kidman. Pop star Taylor Swift made an appearance in a Law & Order skit before the ceremony, revealing her non-appearance in person. Jean Smart became the first actress in Emmy history to win Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series for each season of her show, Hacks.

Allison Janney and Julia Louis-Dreyfus tied for the most acting wins with eight each, while Stephen Colbert secured the Emmy for Best Late Night Show, marking the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's run.