Matthew Rhys makes Emmy history with two lead acting wins
Rhys won lead-acting Emmys for Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me; Jean Smart and Allison Janney each reached eight acting Emmys.
Matthew Rhys made television history at the 78th Emmy Awards, becoming the first actor to collect two major lead acting trophies in a single evening.
Rhys won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow's Bay and also took home the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series for The Beast in Me.
Reactions, company and other winners
Accepting his second prize, Rhys paid tribute to his homeland, telling the audience that the people of Wales were “small, but powerful.” His partner, actress Keri Russell, attended the ceremony and was among the night's nominees.
The night also saw Jean Smart and Allison Janney each claim their eighth acting Emmy, a mark that equalized the record for most acting wins. The Pitt won the award for Outstanding Drama Series, while Noah Wyle was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for the second year running.
In a separate recognition, Michael J. Fox received a special honor for his humanitarian work in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
Photo: press material from the event
