Matthew Rhys Says Keri Russell Is “Always Really the Winner” After His Historic 2026 Emmy Wins
Matthew Rhys made history twice over at the 2026 Emmys on Monday night, becoming the first performer to have won the lead acting Emmy across all three genres, and the first man to win two lead-acting Emmys in one night.
His double wins meant the Widow’s Bay actor delivered two acceptance speeches, with online users joking that he did not shout out his wife and fellow 2026 Emmy nominee, Keri Russell, in either of his speeches. But that wasn’t the case backstage, as Rhys saluted his wife when speaking with journalists in the press room, sharing his hopes that she’ll earn an Emmy next year.
“It’s not playful,” he joked when asked about the competitiveness between himself and The Diplomat actress, who was nominated for best drama actress. “I’ve got a lot of money on myself.”
“The kids ran a book, and I was the odds-on favorite. It’s going to be a rough week for her. I’m sorry — I don’t know if I am to be perfectly honest,” he joked. “You know, she’s always the class act. She sends her fellow nominees Gloria Steinem quotes about being linked and not judged, and I’m the one going, Wahoo!“
Rhys asserted that Russell was “always really the winner, if I’m perfectly honest.” He added, “And I think next year she might get one, that’s my bet.” Throughout her career, The Americans star has earned eight Emmy nominations.
Widow’s Bay, which Rhys starred in, had quite the showing at the 2026 Emmys, picking up the most wins of the night (14), also setting a record for the most Emmys won by a comedy series in a single season. It won many of the top comedy awards of the night, including best comedy series, writing, directing, best actor (for Rhys), supporting actress and actor, among others.
Rhys earned his additional 2026 acting Emmy for best actor in a limited series or TV movie for his role in The Beast in Me.
Elsewhere on Monday night, DTF St. Louis followed with seven wins; The Pitt and Pluribus tied with six.
The 78th Emmy Awards aired live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Monday night on NBC, streaming on Peacock. Mariska Hargitay served as the night’s host, after last week winning two Emmys at the Creative Arts ceremony.
See the full 2026 Emmys winners list and all the dazzling red carpet looks here.
Kirsten Chuba and Nicole Fell contributed to this report.
