Matthew Rhys had a night to remember at the 2026 Emmy Awards, making television history while also finding himself at the center of an awkward moment involving longtime partner Keri Russell.
Rhys won two lead acting Emmys on Monday night, taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay. He also won an Emmy as a producer on Widow’s Bay.
His two acting victories made him the first performer to win lead acting awards across drama, comedy and limited series categories, adding to the drama Emmy he won for The Americans in 2018.
But social media quickly focused on something else. During his acceptance speeches, Rhys did not thank Russell, who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for The Diplomat.
The omission sparked speculation online because Rhys and Russell have been together since 2014. However, Rhys later explained backstage that he had barely prepared his speeches. Speaking with E! News, he joked about how badly his first speech went and made clear there was no indication of trouble between the couple.
Rhys also joked that Russell had warned him she would not go home with him if he won both acting awards. After his victories, he quipped that he might be “lonely” rather than free for the evening.
Away from the jokes, Rhys praised Russell when speaking to reporters backstage. He called her a “class act” and said he believed she could win an Emmy in the future. Russell, who has now gone 0-8 at the Emmys, lost her category to Rhea Seehorn of Pluribus.
The couple’s Emmy history has produced memorable moments before. In 2018, when Rhys won his first acting Emmy, he referenced a joke about Russell punching him if he proposed during his acceptance speech, something the actor later said reflected how uncomfortable she is with public declarations.
This time, however, the awkwardness appeared to be more about Rhys’ unprepared speeches than any serious dispute between the couple. His Emmy night ultimately became historic, while Russell remained supportive despite missing out on another chance to take home the award.