Rhys Makes Emmy History, Jokes About Russell's Warning

Matthew Rhys made history at the 2026 Emmy Awards on September 14, becoming the first person to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night. The Welsh actor, 51, took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Netflix's "The Beast in Me" and later won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Apple TV+'s "Widows Bay." With these victories, Rhys also became the first male performer to have won in all three lead acting categories, having previously won a drama Emmy in 2018 for "The Americans." His partner, actress Keri Russell, was also nominated at the ceremony for the third consecutive year for her lead role in "The Diplomat," but did not win. In backstage interviews after his wins, Rhys revealed a humorous exchange with Russell before the ceremony. He told reporters that Russell had warned him, "If you win both, I'm not coming home with you." Rhys said he responded, "Okay, fair enough," adding that he didn't know if he was free for the evening, but perhaps "lonely." The actor also explained his plan for displaying the awards at home.