Los Angeles, Sep 15 (V7N)- Welsh actor Matthew Rhys made Emmy Awards history by becoming the first actor to win two major acting awards on the same night, the BBC reported.
Rhys first won Best Actor in a Limited Series for the psychological thriller The Beast in Me. He later secured Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Widows' Bay.
Accepting his second award, Rhys dedicated the honor to the people of Wales.
“We are a small but mighty nation. This is incredible,” he said.
Only a handful of actors, including Alan Alda, Sally Field, John Goodman, Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson, had previously been nominated for two major acting awards in the same year. Rhys, however, became the first to win both on the same night.
Rhys said he was delighted to have the opportunity to display the Welsh flag to audiences around the world during such a significant moment.
He attended the ceremony with his partner, American actress Keri Russell, who was also nominated for an Emmy this year.
The Beast in Me follows a grieving writer who becomes increasingly obsessed with a new neighbor suspected of murder. Rhys described his victory for the series as a “real surprise.”
Kate O'Flynn Also Wins Emmy
British actress Kate O'Flynn, Rhys's co-star in Widows' Bay, also won an award, taking home Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
O'Flynn portrayed Patricia in the series, which centers on a centuries-old curse affecting a fictional island.
While accepting her award, she thanked the producers of Widows' Bay and expressed gratitude for their confidence in casting her in the role.
Jean Smart and Allison Janney Tie Acting Record
Actresses Jean Smart and Allison Janney also reached a notable milestone at this year's Emmys, tying the record for the most acting awards won.
Smart won Best Comedy Actress for the final season of Hacks, earning her fifth Emmy for the series and eighth of her career.
Janney also secured her eighth career Emmy after winning Best Supporting Actress for The Diplomat.
They now share the record with Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most acting awards.
Rhea Seehorn won the first Emmy of her career for Pluribus, taking home Best Actress in a Drama Series.
The Pit Wins Best Drama Series
The Pit won Best Drama Series, one of the most prestigious honors of the evening.
Its lead actor, Noah Wyle, also won Best Actor in a Drama Series for the second consecutive year.
Accepting the award, Wyle said he had grown up in the acting world and described the achievement as his greatest dream.
Michael J. Fox Receives Humanitarian Award
Actor Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his efforts to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease, support patients and fund research.
The Back to the Future star received a standing ovation from the audience as he accepted the honor.
Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000. He has spoken publicly about receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis at the age of 29 and initially keeping it private.
He later devoted himself to supporting patients, raising funds and advancing research into the disease.
Emmys Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton
The ceremony also featured a special tribute to late American musician Dolly Parton, who died last month.
Actress Sally Field remembered Parton as authentic, humble and helpful, while also praising her extraordinary sense of humor.
Alan Cumming Wins for The Traitors
Scottish presenter Alan Cumming won Best Reality-Competition Program for the US version of The Traitors.
Cumming reflected on the show's appeal, noting the irony of a program built around betrayal and deception bringing people together.
Stephen Colbert Wins After The Late Show Finale
Stephen Colbert won Best Variety Series for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, whose final episode aired in May.
While accepting the award, Colbert thanked the audience and reflected on the enjoyment the show's team had found in making the program.
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