Matthew Rhys makes Emmy history

Matthew Rhys made Emmy history at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the first man to win two lead acting awards in the same year and the first actor to have won in all three lead acting categories over his career.

The Welsh actor won Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Apple TV's Widow's Bay and Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Netflix's The Beast in Me. He had previously won the drama award for The Americans, which completes a clean sweep of comedy, drama and limited series.

Jean Smart equals the record

The ceremony, held on 14 September, also saw Jean Smart win her eighth career Emmy. That ties her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a performer.

How the Emmys work

The Primetime Emmys honour the best in American television and are presented by the Television Academy. The main ceremony is preceded by the Creative Arts Emmys, which this year took place on 5 and 6 September and recognised craft categories such as casting, costume, music and visual effects, as well as guest performances.

A Welsh success story

Rhys, who was born in Cardiff, has built one of the most successful careers of any British actor working in American television. His performance as a Soviet spy in The Americans won him his first Emmy, and he has since moved between drama, comedy and limited series.

His double win this year reflects the growing overlap between streaming services and traditional television at the Emmys, with Apple TV and Netflix both sharing in his success.

Streaming's night

Both of Rhys's winning performances came in shows made for streaming services, Apple TV and Netflix, a sign of how far the balance of American television has shifted towards streaming. His achievement will stand as one of the highlights of this year's ceremony.