Allison Janney and Jean Smart are making headlines following their remarkable achievements at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14. Both actresses secured their eighth Emmy wins, becoming part of Emmy history by tying the all-time record for the most acting victories. Their wins are a significant milestone in the realm of television, as they now share this honour with legendary performers Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman.
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Jean Smart, aged 75, celebrated her latest accolade for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her outstanding performance in HBO’s critically acclaimed series, *Hacks*. This latest win marks her fifth Emmy, contributing to a storied career that also includes previous wins for her roles in *Frasier* and *Samantha Who?*. Throughout the category of lead actress in a comedy series, Louis-Dreyfus still stands out with the most wins, totalling seven, while Smart has caught up with television luminaries Mary Tyler Moore and Candice Bergen, both having five wins to their names.
Smart’s success with *Hacks* is particularly noteworthy. She has won every year since the show’s debut, culminating in a complete sweep over its five-season run, which concluded earlier this year. During her acceptance speech, Smart expressed heartfelt gratitude to a number of individuals and organisations that contributed to her success. “I have so many people to thank,” she reflected, acknowledging Universal and HBO, her representatives, and her children, whom she described as her “anchor.” Additionally, she dedicated her win to the creative team behind *Hacks*, praising showrunners Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs, saying, “It all begins and ends with them. I love you guys so much.”
On the other hand, Allison Janney, aged 66, also celebrated a momentous win by receiving the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Netflix’s *The Diplomat*, where she portrays the character Grace Hagen Penn, the President of the United States. Her triumph at this year’s Emmys sees her join an elite group of performers who have won acting Emmys for four different television series. This puts her in league with icons such as Ed Asner, Tyne Daly, Alfre Woodard, and Helen Mirren, showcasing the breadth of her talent across multiple genres.
During her own acceptance speech, Janney conveyed her surprise and gratitude for receiving the award. She thanked the show’s creator, Debora Cahn, for her compelling writing, saying, “Debora writes scripts and dialogue that actors cannot wait to chew up and spit out and it’s so much fun.” She also expressed admiration for the team behind the camera, applauding director Alex Gray and lead actress Keri Russell’s contributions to the show, highlighting the collaborative spirit that is essential in the entertainment industry.
Both actresses’ achievements at the Emmy Awards highlight not just their individual talents, but also the growing recognition of their respective series, which have resonated deeply with audiences. *Hacks* has received widespread acclaim for its sharp wit and character development, while *The Diplomat* has garnered attention for its engaging storytelling and political drama.
Hosted by Mariska Hargitay and broadcast on NBC, the Emmy Awards ceremony celebrated numerous talents within the television industry. This year’s event honoured a wide array of performances and productions, providing a platform for recognition in an ever-evolving medium.
As Janney and Smart each leave the Emmys with another accolade, their legacy in television continues to flourish, inspiring both current and future actors in the entertainment space. With their eighth win, they are not just part of a record; they are shaping the landscape of television history for years to come.