Keri Russell reveals why Matthew Rhys didn't thank her in his Emmys 2026 speeches
Page Six • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Keri Russell allowed Matthew Rhys to exclude her from his Emmy acceptance speeches to ease his nervousness about public speaking, emphasizing their mutual discomfort with award show pressures.
- Russell criticized the backlash Rhys faced after not thanking her in his 2018 Emmy speech, calling the criticism "stupid" and highlighting that acceptance speeches are primarily for industry acknowledgments.
- Rhys made history at the 2026 Emmys by winning lead actor awards for both a limited series ("The Beast in Me") and a comedy series ("Widow’s Bay"), with the latter sweeping 14 awards that night.
- During his speeches, Rhys thanked the show's writers, directors, co-star Claire Danes, and his family, while deliberately keeping personal thanks brief as per his agreement with Russell.
- Russell was also recognized at the 2026 Emmys with a nomination for lead actress in a drama series ("The Diplomat") and as an executive producer on the show.
