Widow's Bay Sets 14-Win Comedy Record as Emmy Stars Fan Out to 3 After-Parties

Q: Which legendary actress just tied an all-time Emmy record, and what does this milestone mean for television history?

Jean Smart is the actress who tied the all-time Emmy record. With her 2026 win for **Hacks**, she reached **eight Emmys**, matching **Julia Louis-Dreyfus** and **Cloris Leachman** for the most Emmy acting wins by an actress. The milestone is significant for television history because Smart did more than add to her total. She also became the **only actress to win an Emmy for every eligible season of a series**, taking the lead comedy actress prize for all five seasons of **Hacks**. That makes her run one of the most consistent awards achievements ever for a single TV performance. Her record-tying eighth Emmy also strengthens her place in the top tier of television performers across generations. Smart’s eight wins come from **Hacks**, **Frasier**, and **Samantha Who?**, showing unusual range across lead, supporting, and guest comedy categories. In historical terms, the achievement underscores both Smart’s longevity and the Academy’s recognition of a performance that remained dominant from a show’s debut to its final season. It places **Hacks** and Smart’s portrayal of Deborah Vance among the defining Emmy success stories of modern television.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 15

Los Angeles after-parties stretched across Vibiana, San Vicente Bungalows and NYA Studios after the Sept. 14 Emmys, with Disney, HBO Max and Apple TV hosting winners, nominees and guests.
Apple TV's Widow's Bay drove much of the celebration after setting a comedy-series record with 14 wins, including acting trophies for Matthew Rhys, Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root.
The Pitt added to the night's momentum with another Outstanding Drama Series win and a victory for Noah Wyle, while cast members including Supriya Ganesh and Patrick Ball joined the HBO festivities.
Jean Smart also carried a major storyline into the parties, winning for Hacks for a fifth straight year and becoming the only actress to take an Emmy in every eligible season of a series.
The post-show circuit underscored how the 2026 Emmys blended record-setting wins with a broad industry celebration that kept the spotlight on TV's biggest winners well after the ceremony ended.