Apple TV's "Widow’s Bay" made history at the 78th Emmy Awards by winning a record 14 trophies, surpassing the previous high set by last year’s comedy, “The Studio,” also from Apple. The series, a quirky horror comedy set on a remote New England island led by Matthew Rhys, received widespread acclaim and dominated the ceremony, including acting honors for Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, and Stephen Root.

Rhys, known for his 2018 Emmy win as best drama actor for “The Americans,” captured his first comedy Emmy for his role in “Widow’s Bay” and also won lead actor in a limited series for “The Beast in Me.” In addition to his acting awards, he earned the best comedy series prize as a producer on “Widow’s Bay.”

The success of “Widow’s Bay” came at the expense of “Hacks,” a series about a veteran stand-up comedian and her millennial assistant. Despite the strong competition, “Hacks” lead Jean Smart repeated her win for best comedy actress, marking her fifth consecutive Emmy for the show and her eighth acting Emmy overall. This achievement ties her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most acting Emmys won by a performer.

Shortly after, Allison Janney matched this record by winning best drama supporting actress for her role in “The Diplomat.”

The ceremony also featured a tribute to the late country music legend and Emmy winner Dolly Parton. Sally Field, her co-star in the film “Steel Magnolias,” praised Parton’s authenticity, humor, and supportive nature. Additionally, the In Memoriam segment included a performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Noah Kahan and a touching remembrance of Catherine O’Hara, highlighted by an onstage appearance from her “Home Alone” co-star Macaulay Culkin and “Schitt’s Creek” cast members Annie Murphy and Dan Levy.