Jean Smart Makes Emmys History with Fifth Consecutive Win for 'Hacks'
Jean Smart won her fifth Emmy for lead comedy actress for her role in 'Hacks' Season 5, becoming the first woman to win for every season of a show. She received a standing ovation and joked about the audience's reaction. The award was presented by Zendaya.
Smart's fifth consecutive win for her role as Deborah Vance in "Hacks" Season 5 marks an unprecedented achievement in Emmy history, as no other female performer has previously won for every season of a series. The award was presented by Zendaya, and the audience responded with a standing ovation before Smart's acceptance speech.
During her remarks, Smart playfully addressed the standing ovation, suggesting that only men needed to rise while women could remain seated. She humorously referenced the discomfort of formalwear, including Spanx, corsets, and tight shoes, joking that audience members may have stood not out of genuine enthusiasm but simply because she is older.
This milestone could reshape how the industry and audiences view long-running comedy series and their lead performers. Smart's consistent recognition may encourage networks to invest in multi-season character-driven comedies, knowing sustained quality can yield historic awards. It could also influence how younger actresses approach career longevity, seeing that a role can grow in prestige over time rather than peaking early.