Matthew Rhys Catches Heat For Not Thanking Keri Russell At 2026 Emmys But Haters Have It All Wrong

By Manuella Libardi
Keri Russell looks adoringly at Matthew Rhys in 2026 Amy Sussman/Getty Images
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Matthew Rhys became the first actor to snag two lead acting Emmys in the same year on September 14, 2026, but many viewers weren't impressed by how he addressed — or rather failed to address — his longtime partner, Keri Russell, during his historic night. When his name was called, he looked surprised but didn't turn to her before getting up. He then proceeded to exclude Russel from not one but both of his speeches. It wasn't a good look. However, Rhys and Russell's relationship has always been marked by their playful and often irreverent remarks about each other, so we're actually not surprised. 

But many didn't see it that way. "He hugged Claire Danes for his first win, then thanked his family and Wales for his second win. An entire country! But not his wife!" an X user argued, referring to Rhys' co-star in "The Beast in Me" and the actor's homeland (yes, Rhys' American accent on TV is totally fake). Others felt that it was inexcusable for Rhys to fail to thank his partner after getting a second chance to make amends. "For a second time Matthew Rhys doesn't even look at or acknowledge Keri Russell in his speech," another X user wrote.

Afterwards, Rhys gave a little insight into the dynamics of his relationship with Russell, who was also a nominee at the event for "The Diplomat." "It's going to be a rough week for her, and I'm sorry — I don't know if I am, to be perfectly honest," he quipped to the AP. He also called Russell "the class act," joking that he's the one who celebrates in people's faces. "So, she's always really the winner," he continued. Many were still unimpressed, but many others understood how Rhys and Russell really roll. 

Keri Russell seemed totally okay with Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell hug in January 2026. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Not everyone agreed with how the "Widow's Bay" lead actor winner handled his partner at the 2026 Emmy Awards, but Keri Russell seemed perfectly fine. Russell and Matthew Rhys, who went from TV couple to real-life partners when they co-starred in "The Americans" in 2013 and have a son together, were captured hugging and laughing after he returned to their table with his awards (seen below). Still, people were salty. "I guess bettter late than never," an X user commented under the clip. But many others leaped to Rhys' defense. 

Under the aforementioned AP clip in which he joked about Russell, social media users pointed out that Rhys and Russell are always like this about each other in interviews. "People completely missing the jokes and their vibes," an X user argued. Others had similar takes. "He is such a great partner! So many people miss the tone + meaning of his words," a second netizen defended. Others went a step further, arguing that Rhys' approach made him come across as authentic compared to the robotic tone many actors adopt. "The partner joke makes the double-win moment feel much more personal than a standard awards speech," another X user noted. 

The netizens aren't wrong. This is far from the first time Rhys and Russell made self-deprecating jokes about their relationship. In 2025, it was Russell who made light of how she got together with Rhys. "Oh, we just sort of started having sex," she told The New Yorker. Their dynamic may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it clearly works for Rhys and Russell. 

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