**Matthew Rhys Reflects on Emmy Nominations and Celebratory Night Ahead**
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As the 2026 Emmy Awards approach, actor Matthew Rhys finds himself immersed in a remarkable moment of his career. The star, known for his performances in *Widow’s Bay* and *The Beast in Me*, has received two nominations for this year’s prestigious event. Rhys expressed a sense of disbelief and gratitude as he shared his experiences with *PEOPLE*.
During an interview on 18 August, Rhys, aged 51, spoke candidly about the joy of being nominated alongside his partner, Keri Russell. The couple, who have been in a long-term relationship, were at home when the nominations were announced. In a moment of synchronised excitement, both actors received a flurry of notifications on their phones, signalling the good news.
“It’s everything you dream for, and yet when it happens, you still can’t quite believe it,” Rhys stated, reflecting on the surreal nature of the honour. The couple quickly realised the significance of that day when Russell exclaimed, “Oh my God, I’ve been nominated!” to which Rhys joyfully responded, “Oh my God, so have I!” The shared experience only added to the delight of the occasion.
Rhys has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Mayor Tom Loftis in *Widow’s Bay*, as well as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for *The Beast in Me*. Meanwhile, Russell garnered a nomination for her portrayal in the drama series *The Diplomat*. This recognition marks a significant milestone for both actors in their respective careers.
Interestingly, prior to the nominations news, Russell had organised a day out for the couple in New York City, which turned fortuitously festive. Rhys recalls that their plans for a simple day evolved into a celebratory dinner, allowing them both to bask in the excitement of their nominations together.
As he prepares for the Emmy ceremony scheduled for 14 September, Rhys has mixed feelings about the event itself. Although he has previously won an Emmy, he did not adequately acknowledge some important people in his speech, a regret he hopes to rectify this time. “I won’t necessarily prepare a full speech, but I might jot down some important points,” he explained to *PEOPLE*.
Each year, Rhys and Russell encourage one another to enjoy the experience, attempting to quell their nerves as the ceremony approaches. “We just keep telling each other to try and enjoy this one,” he commented, adding that after the event, his first order of business is to unwind with a “solid” martini—a ritual that helps dissolve the evening’s tension.
Despite the accolades, Rhys admits that the “pessimist” within him fears that this could be the pinnacle of his career. “When it happens, you still can’t quite believe it,” he remarked. “It’s incredible. It’s something I never would’ve dreamt of.” Reflecting on his journey, Rhys mused that if he could advise his younger self, the response would likely involve disbelief.
Appreciative of the stars aligning for him, Rhys stated, “Believe me, I spend most of the day going, ‘How did it happen?’ So I thank all the stars.” This humility and gratitude are evident as he prepares for a night that promises to be both memorable and celebratory.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay and will air live at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. As the date draws near, Rhys and Russell look forward to a night filled with recognition, celebration, and hopefully, more wins in their already illustrious careers. Meanwhile, *Widow’s Bay* can currently be viewed on Apple TV, and *The Beast in Me* is available on Netflix.