78th Primetime Emmy Awards: Historic Records Within Reach for Matthew Rhys, Zendaya, Jean Smart and More
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards kick off this evening with a galaxy of television talent and several landmark records poised to fall. Beyond the traditional trophies, industry research from ActionNetwork.com highlights a slate of historic firsts and statistical milestones that could be secured alongside the wins.
Matthew Rhys and Widow’s Bay Target Welsh First and Comedy Series Record
Widow’s Bay star Matthew Rhys could become the first Welsh actor ever to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The series itself is also chasing history: it enters the night with eight Creative Arts Emmy wins and seven additional nominations, positioning it to surpass The Studio‘s current single-season comedy record of 13 wins set last year, as well as the record for most wins by a comedy series in its debut season.
Actress Records: Jean Smart, Zendaya and Quinta Brunson
Jean Smart’s Perfect Season Sweep and All-Time Performer Mark
Jean Smart has won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for all four seasons of Hacks. A victory tonight would extend that streak to a perfect five-for-five. She would also tie the all-time record for most Emmy wins by a performer — eight — currently shared by Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Zendaya Aims for Youngest Three-Time Drama Lead Winner and Black Actress First
Zendaya could become the youngest actress to win three Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria. She already made history in 2020 as the youngest winner in the category at age 24. A third win would also make her the first Black actress to win three times in the drama lead category.
Quinta Brunson Seeks Second Comedy Lead Win for Black Actress
Quinta Brunson could become the first Black actress to win twice in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category for Abbott Elementary. Her 2023 victory marked the first win by a Black actress in the category since 1981.
British and Welsh Stars Poised for Supporting Actor Firsts
Jack Lowden, frequently tipped as the next James Bond, could become the first Scottish actor to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Slow Horses. Meanwhile, Gerran Howell of The Pitt could claim the first Welsh win in the same category — setting up a potential dual Welsh celebration alongside Rhys’s lead actor nomination.
Veteran Actors Target Oldest-Winner Records Across Categories
Gary Oldman Eyes Oldest Drama Lead Actor Win
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, age 68) could surpass Richard Kiley (66 when he won for A Year in the Life in 1988) as the oldest winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Martin Short Chases Oldest Comedy Lead Actor Record
Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building) could break Eugene Levy’s record as the oldest winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Harrison Ford and Stephen Root Vie for Oldest Comedy Supporting Actor
Harrison Ford (Shrinking, age 84) could surpass Henry Winkler (72 when he won for Barry in 2018) as the oldest winner for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Stephen Root (Widow’s Bay, age 74) is also in contention for the same record.
With records spanning nationality, age, representation and series dominance, tonight’s ceremony promises to be a historic benchmark for television excellence.
