Emmy Awards 2026: Jean Smart creates history as she bags best actress award for ‘Hacks’
Jean Smart made history at the 2026 Primetime Emmys by winning her eighth award, specifically for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for 'Hacks', becoming the first comedy lead actor to win for every season of a single series. This win ties her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the all-time record.
Why it matters
This achievement solidifies Jean Smart's legacy in television history and highlights the critical success of the show 'Hacks', influencing industry recognition and audience interest in the series.
Jean Smart has created history at the Primetime Emmys 2026 as she bagged her eighth award during the ceremony on Tuesday (September 15, 2026). Jean won the honour for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role of comedian Deborah Vance on HBO Max’s Hacks , making her the first comedy lead actor to win the award for every season of a single television series.
The award win has tied her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the all-time record.
Accepting the award, Jean joked and said, “Just the men stay standing, the girls get to sit down.” She then went on to thank her collaborators and ended her brief speech saying, “What a ride this has been!”
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