The 78th Emmy Awards delivered two defining results: The Pitt won outstanding drama series for the second consecutive year, while Apple TV's Widow's Bay broke the comedy-series record with 14 awards across the main and Creative Arts ceremonies.
The ceremony also produced a historic double for Matthew Rhys and a long-awaited drama-actress win for Rhea Seehorn. Here are the results viewers are searching for after television's biggest awards night.
Major 2026 Emmy winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Drama series | The Pitt |
| Comedy series | Widow's Bay |
| Limited or anthology series | DTF St. Louis |
| Drama actor | Noah Wyle, The Pitt |
| Drama actress | Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus |
| Comedy actor | Matthew Rhys, Widow's Bay |
| Comedy actress | Jean Smart, Hacks |
Sally Field won lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for Remarkably Bright Creatures. Rhys also won the corresponding lead-actor prize for The Beast in Me.
How Widow's Bay made history
Widow's Bay finished with 14 Emmys, surpassing the previous comedy-series record. Its wins included outstanding comedy series and acting awards for Rhys, Stephen Root and Kate O'Flynn.
The first-season horror comedy entered the ceremony with momentum from the Creative Arts awards, where production, sound, cinematography and music categories helped build its total. The result demonstrates how a show can dominate both technical and headline awards.
For viewers who have not watched it, the series follows a New England island community facing strange events linked to a long-running curse. Its blend of comedy and horror helped it stand apart in a crowded field.
The Pitt wins drama again
The Pitt repeated as outstanding drama, confirming that its first victory was not a one-season surprise. Noah Wyle also won drama actor again for his performance as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch.
The medical drama's real-time structure and ensemble storytelling have made it one of television's most discussed series. A second consecutive top prize places it firmly among the defining shows of the current Emmy cycle.
Matthew Rhys and Rhea Seehorn's big night
Rhys became the first performer in Emmy history to win two lead-actor awards in different genres in the same year, according to The Guardian. He won comedy actor for Widow's Bay and limited-series actor for The Beast in Me.
Rhea Seehorn won drama actress for Pluribus, securing her first Emmy after previous nominations for Better Call Saul. Jean Smart won again for the final season of Hacks, adding another award to one of modern comedy's most successful runs.
Sources: Reuters winners list, Television Academy and The Guardian.
Frequently asked questions
What won best drama at the 2026 Emmys?
The Pitt won outstanding drama series for the second year in a row.
What won best comedy?
Widow's Bay won comedy series and finished with a record 14 awards.
Who won drama actress?
Rhea Seehorn won for Pluribus.
