Apple TV horror-comedy Widow’s Bay has made Emmy history after winning 14 awards across this year’s ceremonies, the most ever for a comedy series in a single season. It surpasses the previous comedy record of 13, set by The Studio last year. Widow’s Bay took six prizes at Monday night’s 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, including Best Comedy Series, adding to eight wins at the Creative Arts Emmys a week earlier.
Widow’s Bay Breaks Single-Season Comedy Record at the 78th Emmy Awards
Widow’s Bay collected six prizes at the 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, including the coveted award for Best Comedy Series. These wins built upon an earlier haul of eight trophies secured at the Creative Arts Emmys a week prior, bringing the series’ total to 14.
The late-April release proved to be a breakout word-of-mouth hit for Apple TV, outperforming returning nominees like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and Hacks.
Matthew Rhys Makes History with Dual Lead Acting Wins
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys achieved a historic industry first by winning two lead acting Emmys on the same night. Rhys took home Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of small-town mayor Tom Loftis in Widow’s Bay. Earlier in the awards cycle, he also won Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Netflix’s psychological thriller The Beast in Me.
These victories, paired with his 2018 drama win for The Americans, make the 51-year-old the first male performer to secure lead acting trophies across all three major categories: comedy, drama, and limited series. Accepting his second award of the night, Rhys paid tribute to his roots, stating, “We are a small but mighty nation. This is incredible.”
Did You Know?
Widow’s Bay earned 19 total nominations for its debut season, converting 14 of them into wins. Supporting cast members Stephen Root and Kate O’Flynn also secured acting victories for the Apple TV series.
Drama and Limited Series Victories at the 78th Emmys
The medical drama The Pitt successfully defended its title, retaining the award for Best Drama Series. Noah Wyle also repeated his success from the previous year, securing Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch.
In the lead actress drama category, Rhea Seehorn earned her first Emmy win for her work in Pluribus, according to the official winners list. Meanwhile, DTF St. Louis was named Best Limited or Anthology Series, and Sally Field claimed Best Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Jean Smart Continues Record-Breaking Run with Hacks
According to the official Emmy results, Jean Smart extended her remarkable streak by winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as stand-up comedian Deborah Vance in Hacks. With this latest victory, Smart became the first performer to win the comedy lead actress Emmy for every single season of a show’s run.
Other notable winners across the major categories included Katie Dippold, who won for comedy writing, and Hiro Murai, who took home the award for comedy directing for Widow’s Bay, according to official academy records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Emmys did Widow’s Bay win?
Widow’s Bay won a record-breaking 14 awards across this year’s ceremonies, including six at the main telecast and eight at the Creative Arts Emmys.
What historic record did Matthew Rhys break?
Matthew Rhys became the first performer to win two lead acting Emmys in the same year, and the first male performer to win lead acting categories in comedy, drama, and limited series.
Who won Best Drama Series?
The Pitt retained the award for Best Drama Series.
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