Matthew Rhys has made history as the first performer to win two lead acting Emmy Awards in a single night. The Welsh actor was named best lead actor in a limited series for the psychological thriller The Beast In Me and best lead actor in a comedy for his role in Widow's Bay at the ceremony held in Los Angeles.
His sister Rachel Evans, who accompanied him to the awards, described the week as a time of disbelief for their family. In an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Evans said the family had been "pinching ourselves" following the result. She noted that her parents, who were at home in Wales in their dressing gowns, video called the couple to celebrate. "They were so far away, but they were so proud of him, as we all are," Evans said.
Evans recalled the immediate reaction in the audience, where she and Rhys's partner Keri Russell looked at each other in shock. Evans described Russell as Rhys's "biggest supporter" who was cheering with her hands in the air. Evans also shared that she had burst into tears while watching the physical awards being engraved, noting that it was the moment the achievement truly "sank in."
During his acceptance speech, Rhys paid tribute to his homeland, thanking the "great and good people of Wales." He described Wales as a "small but mighty nation" and closed his remarks with "diolch yn fawr iawn," which translates to "thank you very much." Evans noted that despite Rhys living abroad for 25 years, Wales remains "in his heart and is his home."
The reaction back in Wales has been significant. Evans told BBC Radio Wales that the family was "thrilled" by the response upon waking up the morning after the ceremony. She added that Rhys was keen to speak with supporters the following day, acknowledging that Wales had been "so supportive of his career all along."
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