Matthew Rhys wins two lead Emmys
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history with double win
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Warm-up
- Who is your favourite TV actor or actress? Why?
- Have you ever watched an awards show on TV? Which one?
- What TV show would you recommend to a friend?
Vocabulary
- prestigious
- very respected and important
- ceremony
- a formal event with special rules and awards
- dedicate
- to say an award is for someone to show respect or thanks
- tribute
- words or actions that show respect for someone
- nominee
- a person who is chosen for a prize but has not won yet
- record
- the best or most of something that has happened before
- shock
- a big surprise
- supporting
- a role that is not the main one in a show or film
Reading
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys made history at the prestigious US ceremony, the Emmy Awards. He became the first person to win two lead acting prizes in one night. He was honoured for the supernatural comedy Widow's Bay and the psychological thriller The Beast In Me. On stage, he dedicated his second award to the people of Wales and said "Diolch yn fawr iawn", which means "thank you very much".
Some past nominees had two lead nods in one year. But Rhys is the first to turn it into a double win and a new record. He called the result a "real shock".
There was a tribute to Dolly Parton and a humanitarian award for Michael J Fox. Kate O'Flynn won best supporting comedy actress. The Pitt won best drama, and Noah Wyle took best lead actor in a drama again.
Comprehension
- What historic achievement did Matthew Rhys make at the Emmys?
- Which two shows earned him his lead acting prizes?
- What Welsh phrase did he say on stage, and what does it mean?
- Who received a tribute and who got a humanitarian award?
- Which show won best drama, and which actor won best lead actor in a drama?
Grammar focus
Zero conditional
Use the zero conditional for general facts or things that are always true: If + present simple, present simple. It shows results that always happen when the condition is true. (Examples constructed.)
- If viewers **watch Widow's Bay, they enjoy the story**.
- If fans **buy tickets, they see Matthew Rhys on stage**.
Grammar exercise
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
- If an actor (win) ___ two awards, they become famous.
- If viewers (see) ___ a tribute, they feel moved.
- If a show (mix) ___ comedy and thrillers, it appeals to many.
- If winners (dedicate) ___ their award to Wales, people cheer.
- If the ceremony (include) ___ a humanitarian award, people cheer.
Discussion
- Do awards help you choose what to watch? Why or why not?
- Which role sounds more fun to play: comedy or thriller? Why?
- What makes an awards show interesting to watch?
- Who in your country could deserve a tribute? Why?
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