Emmy Awards 2026 could make history as major records face being broken
History could be made as the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards get underway this evening with several records in with a shot of being broken.
The annual event is packed with more stars than the Milky Way as the best of this year’s TV offerings battle out.
As well as plenty of awards for the taking, this year’s Emmys will also see a slate of records that could be broken.
According to industry research from ActionNetwork.com several stars could earn themselves a fresh new record alongside their award.
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For starters, Widow’s Bay star Matthew Rhys could become the first Welsh actor to ever win in the Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series category.
While the show itself could break the record for the most wins by a comedy series in a single year at the Emmys as well as the record for the most wins by a comedy series for its first season.
The current record is held by The Studio, which won 13 wins last year, but Widow’s Bay could be coming for its title, having already won eight Emmys at the Creative Arts ceremony and is nominated for seven more this evening.
Actress records that could be broken
Jean Smart could set a new record by winning the Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for every season of her show Hacks.
Smart has previously won four out of four, but could see herself landing a perfect five from five during tonight’s ceremony.
She could also tie for the all-time record for the most Emmys won by a performer, which sits at eight wins and is currently jointly held by Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Zendaya could set a new record as the youngest actress to win three Emmys in the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series for her role Euphoria. Back in 2020, she became the youngest winner in the category when she won her first Emmy at age 24. The new Mrs Holland could also become the first black actress to ever win three times in the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series category.
Quinta Brunson could become the first black actress to ever win twice in the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series category for her role in Abbot Elementary. Brunson first won in 2023, becoming the first black actress to win in the category since 1981.
Some British stars could make history
Jack Lowden, who has tipped as the next James Bond, could become the first Scottish actor to ever win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series category for Slow Horses.
Gerran Howell, who stars in The Pitt, could become the first Welsh actor to ever win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series category. Meaning it could be a strong night for Wales, with Widow’s Bay Rhys also up for an award.
Topics: TV and Film, Zendaya, Emmy Awards, Celebrity
Claire Reid