Matthew Rhys made Emmy history Monday night by winning two lead acting awards in the same ceremony. The actor first took outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series for Netflix’s “The Beast in Me” before claiming outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay.”
Rhys’s achievement was the highlight of a ceremony hosted by Mariska Hargitay, who became the first woman to host the Emmy Awards in 15 years. She also starred in “Law & Order: SVU,” a show she nearly left over fear of being a “one-trick pony.”
The double win required Rhys to compete against different groups of actors. In the limited-series category, he faced Riz Ahmed (“Bait”), Jason Bateman (“Black Rabbit”), Charlie Hunnam (“Monster: The Ed Gein Story”) and Oscar Isaac (“Beef”). In the comedy category, he was up against Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Wonder Man”), Steve Carell (“Rooster”), Jason Segel (“Shrinking”) and Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”).
Rhys’s Double Win
Rhys’s achievement was the highlight of a ceremony hosted by Mariska Hargitay, who became the first woman to host the Emmy Awards in 15 years. She also starred in “Law & Order: SVU,” a show she nearly left over fear of being a “one-trick pony.”
The double win required Rhys to compete against different groups of actors. In the limited-series category, he faced Riz Ahmed (“Bait”), Jason Bateman (“Black Rabbit”), Charlie Hunnam (“Monster: The Ed Gein Story”) and Oscar Isaac (“Beef”). In the comedy category, he was up against Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Wonder Man”), Steve Carell (“Rooster”), Jason Segel (“Shrinking”) and Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”).
Apple TV’s Big Night
“Widow’s Bay” led the Comedy Series field with eight wins in the Creative Arts Emmys, which were presented ahead of Monday’s main event. The show also picked up a nomination for outstanding comedy series.
The Creative Arts Emmys recognized several Apple TV titles. “Widow’s Bay” led the early awards with eight wins, while “DTF St. Louis” earned six.
Netflix’s Strong Year
Netflix had its own reasons to celebrate. “The Pitt” led all programs in nominations, while “Hacks” earned a record 24 nominations during its final season. Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” followed with 19 nominations, and “Pluribus” has 18.
The Creative Arts Emmys recognized several Netflix titles. Shailene Woodley and Bad Bunny both won Creative Arts Emmys ahead of Monday’s broadcast.
Drama Series Field
In the drama category, “The Pitt” was a leading nominee alongside “The Diplomat,” “The Gilded Age,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” “Paradise,” “Pluribus,” “Slow Horses” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.” The category also featured a crowded lead actor race, with Noah Wyle, Sterling K. Brown, Gary Oldman, Mark Ruffalo and Rufus Sewell all competing.
Lead actress in a drama series saw Carrie Coon, Chase Infiniti, Keri Russell and Zendaya face off against Rhea Seehorn. The category’s nominees represent some of the most high-profile stars in television today.
Limited-Series Field
The limited or anthology series category was particularly competitive. Sally Field, Claire Danes, Carey Mulligan, Sarah Pidgeon and Sarah Snook all competed for lead actress honors. For lead actor, Matthew Rhys faced Riz Ahmed, Jason Bateman, Charlie Hunnam and Oscar Isaac.
Supporting actor in a limited or anthology series saw David Harbour, Jason Bateman, Richard Gadd, Richard Jenkins, Charles Melton and Nick Offerman compete. Supporting actress in that category featured Linda Cardellini, Dakota Fanning, Laurie Metcalf, Joy Sunday, Youn Yuh-jung and Constance Zimmer.
The Numbers Behind the Night
- Host: Mariska Hargitay, the first woman to host the Emmy Awards in 15 years
- Lead actor in a drama series: Noah Wyle, Sterling K. Brown, Gary Oldman, Mark Ruffalo, Rufus Sewell
- Lead actress in a drama series: Rhea Seehorn, Carrie Coon, Chase Infiniti, Keri Russell, Zendaya
- Drama series nominees: “The Pitt,” “The Diplomat,” “The Gilded Age,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” “Paradise,” “Pluribus,” “Slow Horses,” “Your Friends & Neighbors”
- Lead actor in a comedy series: Matthew Rhys, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Martin Short
- Lead actress in a comedy series: Jean Smart, Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning, Lisa Kudrow
- Comedy series nominees: “Widow’s Bay,” “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “Hacks,” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Shrinking”
- Lead actor in a limited or anthology series: Matthew Rhys, Riz Ahmed, Jason Bateman, Charlie Hunnam, Oscar Isaac
- Lead actress in a limited or anthology series: Sally Field, Claire Danes, Carey Mulligan, Sarah Pidgeon, Sarah Snook
- Limited or anthology series nominees: “DTF St. Louis,” “All Her Fault,” “The Beast in Me,” “Beef,” “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette”
The night’s biggest winners and losers are clear. Rhys’s double win stands out, but so does the strength of Apple TV and Netflix’s slate of nominees. The Emmys have become a measure of streaming success, and Monday’s ceremony confirmed that trend.
The industry will spend the coming weeks debating who got snubbed and who deserved every trophy. For now, the message is simple: streaming platforms are winning awards at the highest level.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.