Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has made history at the Emmy Awards after winning two major acting prizes in one night.
Rhys became the first actor to win two lead acting awards at the same Emmy ceremony. He took home Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series for The Beast In Me. He later won Best Lead Actor in a Comedy for Widow’s Bay.
The remarkable achievement made Rhys one of the biggest stars of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. It also gave Wales a special moment on one of television’s biggest nights.
Matthew Rhys Proudly Represents Wales
Rhys used his second acceptance speech to celebrate his Welsh roots. He dedicated the award to the people who helped shape his journey.
“I dedicate this to the great and good people of Wales, who were as much a nurture as anyone else,” he said.
“We are a small but mighty nation. This is incredible,” Rhys added before saying, “Diolch yn fawr iawn,” meaning “thank you very much” in Welsh.
Speaking backstage, the actor explained why the achievement meant so much to him.
“I’m from a small country, and I’m glad we get moments to kind of put our flag on the map,” he said.
Rhys added that Wales can prove it “punch higher than our weight sometimes.”
Two Roles, One Historic Night
Rhys first claimed the limited-series award for The Beast In Me, a psychological thriller starring Claire Danes.
The series follows a grieving author who becomes obsessed with a mysterious neighbour. Her growing suspicion leads her into a dangerous mystery surrounding a possible murder.
Rhys described his victory as a “real shock” and praised Danes for their work together. He thanked her for allowing him to “join the mystery machine” and called her an “intimidating scene partner.”
Later, Rhys returned to the stage for his comedy victory. In Widow’s Bay, he plays the mayor of an island facing a centuries-old curse.
His co-star Kate O’Flynn also enjoyed a big night. She won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role as Patricia.
“This is the role of a lifetime,” O’Flynn said.
She also thanked the producers for trusting “this Lancashire lass” with the role.
More Big Emmy Moments
The night delivered several other memorable victories. Jean Smart won Best Comedy Actress for Hacks, securing her eighth Emmy overall.
Allison Janney also earned her eighth Emmy after winning Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for The Diplomat. Their victories put them alongside Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most acting wins.
Meanwhile, The Pitt won Best Drama Series, while Noah Wyle claimed Best Lead Actor in a Drama for the second consecutive year.
Michael J Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his work supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Stephen Colbert also celebrated after The Late Show won Best Variety Series. The ceremony further honoured late stars Dolly Parton and Catherine O’Hara with emotional tributes.
However, amid all the celebrations, Matthew Rhys’ historic double remains one of the night’s biggest talking.
