Keri Russell Couldn't Stand The 'Lame' Reactions To Matthew Rhys' 2026 Emmys Speeches

Matthew Rhys was one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmys, winning two awards for his work on "Widow's Bay" and "The Beast in Me," but the online world was quick to notice he failed to thank one very important person in his life during his speeches: his longtime partner, actor Keri Russell. On the outside, it seemed like a major mistake that surely would've earned him a night on the couch. But Russell has set the record straight, making it clear she wasn't just cool with Rhys leaving her out — it was her call.

Appearing on the "Dear Chelsea" podcast, Russell dug into how Rhys felt leading up to the big day. As Russell explained, "He was just so nervous. I mean, we were all nervous. ... But, you know, it's a lot. It's a lot of pressure." She then revealed her role in Rhys' speeches: "I said, 'Take me off your plate. Like, you don't have to thank me. I know you love me."

From the comfort of one's couch, it can be hard to understand how nervous a celebrity can be when they are up for a major award (or two!), and even more surprising to learn actors are just as likely to be worried about going up on that stage and speaking to the world. It's easy to play Monday morning speech-giver and point out who was left out or what a winner didn't say, but fans don't know the conversations that take place in the days leading up to the event. As for the reactions fans had to Rhys' speeches, Russell added, "It's so crazy. People get nuts... It's stupid, and it's also lame."

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell aren't new to causing controversy during the Emmys. In 2018, Rhys won for "The Americans" and joked about asking Russell to marry him onstage, which many took as a poke at Glenn Weiss, who did exactly that when he won an award earlier in the evening. The couple, who have been together since 2014, have agreed to leave each other out of their awards speeches since. Russell explained to Chelsea Handler that, for them, the award shows are "for the business people."

But Rhys leaving Russell out of his speeches wasn't the only thing people were upset about after the 2026 Emmys. Not long after Rhys made Emmys history by winning awards for lead actor in both a regular series and limited series, Netflix announced "The Beast in Me," which was advertised as a limited series, had been renewed for a second season. Some used the moment to point out how ongoing shows like HBO's "The White Lotus" are often submitted for limited series awards, and that it isn't fair to any actual limited series that loses out. Adding to the drama were reports that Netflix was working on a second season well before the Emmys took place. 

Users on Reddit debated Rhys' award, with one user pointing out, "2 Emmy wins, 9 nominations for Limited Series. Not even two weeks later, it's renewed," while another declared, "They should make it ineligible for any future Emmy." But, since it has already been established that Rhys won't be involved with the series' surprise second installment, it seems his critics' ire was misplaced once again.