2026 Emmy Awards: Jean Smart Makes History, ‘Widow’s Bay’ Leads Nominations

Emmy Awards 2026: Jean Smart ties record with eight wins. 'Widow's Bay' dominates with 19 nods. Full winners list revealed.

Editorial Desk

September 15, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — The 78th annual Emmy Awards kicked off in Los Angeles, celebrating the best of television from the past year.

Hosted by Mariska Hargitay, the ceremony is being broadcast live on NBC and available on Peacock from the Peacock Theater. This year’s event has been split across three nights, with some categories announced earlier in the week.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

Kate O’Flynn won the first award of the night for her supporting role in the comedy series Widow’s Bay. Jean Smart then made history by tying Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman with eight acting Emmys, becoming the first actor to win lead actress honors for every season of Hacks. Stephen Root, at 74, also set a new record as the oldest winner in the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.