Jean Smart makes Emmy history with 'Hacks' win

Jean Smart made Emmy history at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards by winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Deborah Vance in Hacks.

Smart’s victory at the 78th Annual Emmy Awards made her the first performer to win an acting award for every season of the same show. The achievement prompted a standing ovation from the audience.

During her acceptance speech, Smart thanked Universal and HBO, as well as her representatives and her children, Forrest and Connor.

“Thank you. Thank you all so much,” Smart said. “What a ride this has been.”

She also thanked “my reps who are the best in the business, and my children who are my anchor, Forrest and Connor”.

Smart’s win came on the same night Allison Janney reached eight Emmy wins as a performer, tying the all-time record.

Janney joined Smart, Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus among performers with eight acting Emmys. Janney previously won four Emmys for The West Wing, two for Mom and one for Masters of Sex before receiving her latest award for The Diplomat.

The 2026 Emmy Awards recognised television programmes that aired between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026, with winners selected by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The Pitt won Best Drama Series, while Widow’s Bay took Best Comedy Series. DTF St. Louis won Best Limited or Anthology Series, and The Traitors received the award for Best Reality Competition Programme.