There are Hollywood power couples, and then there’s Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell. The two actors confirmed their relationship in 2014, after connecting on the set of The Americans, and share a 10-year-old son, Sam. This year they also share space on the 2026 Emmys nomination list. Russell nabbed two nods for her work on The Diplomat, in the lead-actress-in-a-drama category and in best drama series, as she also serves as an executive producer on the show. Rhys has two nominations for Widow’s Bay—for lead actor in a comedy and best comedy series, with the actor being an executive producer too—and another for lead actor in a limited series, which he earned for The Beast in Me.
Monday’s 2026 Emmys ceremony is quite the date night for the couple, to say the least.
Rhys and Russell, who have notched eight career Emmy nominations apiece (Rhys took home a win in 2018 for The Americans), arrived at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles in grand fashion, coordinating their looks in classic black. Rhys wore a black tuxedo, while Russell donned a high-neck, low-back black halter gown by Khaite for the occasion.
Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell at the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Buckner/Getty Images
When the two were asked on E! who would cry more during the ceremony in the event of wins, the answer came quickly and unanimously: “I’m the blubberer,” Rhys said. “Overly emotional, slightly too intoxicated. I’m the go-to blubber.”
Another revelation: The Welsh actor modeled his American accent after none other than George Clooney’s on ER. “That’s true, that’s who I listened to,” he said.
Rhys didn’t shed a tear, however, when he found himself onstage early in the evening to accept the Emmy for best actor in a limited series for The Beast in Me. He did say it was “a real shock” while praising his fellow nominees, after threatening to poke any would-be hecklers in the crowd with the statuette if “you try and taunt me.”
