2026 Emmys: Widow’s Bay and The Pitt lead winners as Jean Smart earns fifth award

Jean Smart secured her fifth Primetime Emmy Award on Sunday, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the third season of HBO Max’s “Hacks.” The victory marks the first time an actress has been honored with the lead‑comedy award for each season of a single series, underscoring Smart’s consistent critical acclaim throughout the show’s run.

“Hacks,” which follows the unlikely partnership between veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Smart) and her young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder), has been lauded for its sharp writing and strong performances. Smart’s latest win adds to her previous Emmy honors for the series in 2021 and 2022, while the show itself has accumulated multiple nominations across acting, writing, and directing categories. The achievement highlights both Smart’s enduring presence in television comedy and the series’ sustained relevance in a competitive awards landscape.