2026 Emmys deliver firsts, records and emotional wins
One of the night’s most celebrated wins went to Rhea Seehorn, who finally claimed her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Carol in Pluribus.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards brought a mix of long-awaited victories, record-breaking performances and emotional tributes as television’s biggest stars gathered in Los Angeles on September 14.
One of the night’s most celebrated wins went to Rhea Seehorn, who finally claimed her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Carol in Pluribus.
The win marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Seehorn, who had previously received three Emmy nominations, including two for her acclaimed performance as Kim Wexler in 'Better Call Saul'. Despite the series earning 53 Emmy nominations during its run, it never won an acting Emmy for Seehorn.
Her victory came as 'Pluribus' also earned creator Vince Gilligan the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
Elsewhere, 'The Pitt' retained its crown as Outstanding Drama Series, with Noah Wyle winning Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the second consecutive year.
Comedy belonged to 'Widow’s Bay', which won Outstanding Comedy Series and finished the awards season with a record 14 Emmys, the most ever won by a comedy series in a single year.
Matthew Rhys was another standout, winning Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for 'The Beast in Me'. The double victory made him the first performer to win lead acting Emmys across all three major categories.
Jean Smart also made history with her fifth consecutive Emmy for 'Hacks'. Her victory made her the first woman to win the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series award for every season of the same show.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his decades of philanthropy and advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research. The honour recognised work that has extended far beyond his television and film career, including his efforts through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The ceremony, hosted by 'Law & Order: SVU' star Mariska Hargitay, also featured tributes to late stars, including Dolly Parton and Catherine O’Hara, while the evening celebrated milestones from some of television’s most enduring shows.
For Seehorn, however, the night belonged to a moment many fans had been waiting years to see the 'Better Call Saul' favourite was finally an Emmy winner.
