Quirky horror series "Widow's Bay" cleaned up at Monday's Emmys, setting a new record for the most awards won by a comedy in a single year, as gritty hospital show "The Pitt" won again for best drama.
Apple TV's "Widow's Bay", which stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.
With 14 total awards, "Widow's Bay" bested the previous record for a comedy set just last year by Seth Rogen's Hollywood satire "The Studio", also from Apple.
Rhys, Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root all claimed acting prizes for their roles in the hit show.
Rhys earned his first comedy Emmy and also triumphed as lead actor in a limited series for his sinister turn in "The Beast in Me". He earned the best comedy series prize in his role as producer.
Jean Smart repeated as best comedy actress for "Hacks" — her fifth award for the series in as many seasons.
"What a ride this has been!" Smart said.
The win was her eighth acting Emmy, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer.
Minutes later, Allison Janney equalled the record with her win for best drama supporting actress for "The Diplomat".
Host Mariska Hargitay, the "Law and Order: SVU" star, opened the awards gala with a song and dance.
"The Pitt" won its second consecutive Emmy for best drama.
The smash series follows stressed workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.
The hit had led all shows with 25 nominations and clocked six statuettes by night's close.
Star Noah Wyle won his second straight acting prize, and took home another statuette for best series as one of its producers.
"Pluribus" star Rhea Seehorn nabbed the statuette for best actress in a drama.
Sally Field notched the award for best actress in a limited series or television movie, for her turn in "Remarkably Bright Creatures".
The beloved performer gave a fiery speech that offered thinly veiled criticism of efforts to merge Paramount and Warner Bros.
"Our diversity, our unique storytelling matters. We can't let those voices be silenced or compromised or merged", Field said.
The 78th Emmy Awards gala featured a tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner.
"She was genuine and humble, supportive and blisteringly funny", said Field, her co-star in the film "Steel Magnolias", who then introduced country singer Reba McEntire to sing "Appalachian Memories".
Noah Kahan sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" during the broadcast's In Memoriam segment, which included a heartfelt remembrance of Catherine O'Hara.
Jamie Lee Curtis delivered a tearful homage to Rob Reiner, calling the late filmmaker and actor "generous and kind and funny as hell". — AFP
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