Key facts
- Jean Smart won her fifth consecutive Emmy for "Hacks," becoming the first female performer to win for every season of a series.
- Smart's win ties her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most Emmy wins by an actress, with eight.
- Noah Wyle won his second Emmy for his role in "The Pitt."
- The 2026 Emmys were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
- Industry challenges like production cutbacks and concerns over artificial intelligence were noted amid the awards.
Jean Smart secured her fifth consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Deborah Vance in the final season of "Hacks," a win that also ties her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most Emmy wins by a performer, with eight. Smart's previous wins include two for guest actress in a comedy series for "Frasier" and one for supporting actress in a comedy series for "Samantha Who?". Noah Wyle also received an Emmy, his second, for his role in "The Pitt."
The 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated the best in television while acknowledging significant industry challenges. These include ongoing production cutbacks and growing concerns surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative landscape. Smart, in her acceptance speech, dedicated her award to the "Hacks" creators Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs, reflecting on the show's journey. She also made a lighthearted remark to the male attendees about the discomfort women experience in high heels and shapewear.