The 2026 Emmy Awards saw major successes for The Pitt, Widow's Bay, and DTF St. Louis, with Jean Smart and Matthew Rhys achieving historic wins.
The 2026 Emmy Awards delivered significant accolades for series like The Pitt, Widow's Bay, and DTF St. Louis, confirmed through reports from TVLine on September 15, 2026. The Pitt secured the coveted title of Outstanding Drama Series, marking its second consecutive win in this category. HBO Max’s The Pitt, which led all series with 25 nominations, showcased its continuing appeal and quality in dramatic storytelling.
In an impressive display of talent, Jean Smart clinched her fifth Emmy for Lead Actress for her role in HBO Max’s Hacks, a record achievement that highlights her consistent excellence in the industry. She now holds a unique position, winning in this category every season, a feat not previously accomplished by other greats in the field. On the other hand, Matthew Rhys celebrated notable wins as he secured the Outstanding Lead Actor award for his performance in Widow's Bay, also capturing Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his work in Netflix's The Beast in Me. His double victory marks a remarkable milestone for Rhys.
While Hacks had a record-setting 24 nominations, it was Widow's Bay that emerged as the Outstanding Comedy Series. This Apple TV offering excelled, earning additional awards for Lead Actor (Rhys), Supporting Actress (Kate O'Flynn), Supporting Actor (Stephen Root), Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Writing. Moreover, in the limited series category, DTF St. Louis won Outstanding Limited Series, reinforcing its critical acclaim and audience appeal.
Other acknowledged performances included Rhea Seehorn, winning for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for Pluribus, while Task saw Tom Pelphrey win Outstanding Supporting Actor. The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay and broadcast on NBC, recognized several standout performances and significant achievements in television, making this year a memorable one in Emmy history.
TVLine provided a comprehensive list of winners, also noting the intriguing highlights from the event, including special reunions and tributes, offering viewers a full picture of the evening’s celebrations.
The remarkable accomplishments of The Pitt, Widow's Bay, and DTF St. Louis reinforce the growing diversity and quality of programming celebrated at the Emmys. Such achievements not only elevate the status of these series but also set new standards in the industry for excellence in writing and performance. As the industry witnesses this evolution, audiences can anticipate even more innovative storytelling from these noteworthy platforms in the future.
For further coverage of the Emmys, tune into TVLine's detailed event recap and more highlights from the 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony.
Read more in TVLine’s live updates during the awards!
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