Portugal Colonial - 'Widow's Bay' and 'The Pitt' take key Emmy awards

Apple TV's "Widow's Bay," which stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, has emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.

Rhys, Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root all claimed acting prizes for their roles in the hit show.

With 13 awards so far, "Widow's Bay" has already pulled into a tie with Seth Rogen's Hollywood satire "The Studio" as the most awarded comedy series in a single Emmys year. It would break the record with a best series statuette.

Rhys -- a winner for best drama actor for "The Americans" in 2018 -- earned his first comedy Emmy and also took home an trophy for lead actor in a limited series for his sinister turn in "The Beast in Me."

The strong night for "Widow's Bay" largely spelled disappointment for "Hacks," the tale of a stand-up comedian trying to revive her career and the dysfunctional millennial assistant who helps her.

But its star Jean Smart triumphed as best comedy actress -- her fifth award for the series in as many seasons.

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 gala with song and dance, belting out a "I Love TV Screens" parody of Joan Jett's classic "I Love Rock 'n' Roll."

And she recruited her megawatt star friends to do pre-taped segments, including New York Knicks champion Jalen Brunson and none other than Taylor Swift.

The pop megastar had been nominated in pre-telecast categories -- she didn't win -- and was not at the gala, but instead at her husband Travis Kelce's National Football League game in Kansas City.

But her taped sketch drew laughs for its insider industry jokes.

-'The Pitt' expected to repeat as best drama -

"The Pitt," last year's winner for best drama, follows the stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.

Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is the odds-on favorite to sweep several drama prizes including best series.

It led all shows with 25 nominations, and had already won four awards in the early ceremonies, including best casting for a drama series.

Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up awards over the past year including an Emmy last year, triumphed once again.

"I grew up in LA. I'm a Hollywood kid. I was raised on a television, and movie theaters were my place of worship. This is all I've ever wanted to do and this is the only club I've ever wanted to join. Thank you for accepting me," Wyle told the audience.

"Pluribus" star Rhea Seehorn nabbed the statuette for best actress in a drama.

Sally Field won 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, defending Canada against US President Donald Trump's recent clashes and offering 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.

- Dolly tribute -

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."

It will also include a performance from Noah Kahan, who will sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" during the broadcast's In Memoriam segment.

The gala also delivered TV nostalgia, with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz among the presenters, and "Charlie's Angels" stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith on deck.

M.A.Vaz--PC