Kate O'Flynn wins comedy supporting Emmy for Widow's Bay on first nomination
Kate O'Flynn has won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for Widow's Bay. Variety
The prize, presented at the 78th Emmy Awards, was her first win from her first nomination. She looked stunned as her name was read out.
O'Flynn plays Patricia in the Apple TV horror-comedy series, a show that mixes scares with jokes. Patricia is chief assistant to Mayor Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys. O'Flynn closed her acceptance speech with a direct nod to the role: "This is for all the Patricias out there!"
She took the award ahead of six other nominees. The field included Hannah Einbinder, Janelle James, Jessica Williams, Meg Stalter and Michelle Pfeiffer, plus her Widow's Bay co-star Dale Dickey. Dickey, who plays Rosemary, gave the first-season show two contenders in one category, according to the Television Academy nominees list. Television Academy
The category honours a female performer in a secondary role in a comedy, and it often turns into one of the closest races of the night. This year it did. O'Flynn's victory came from a packed line-up with established comedy performers and film stars.
Widow's Bay arrived at the main ceremony with strong momentum. The series earned 19 nominations in its first season, including outstanding comedy series, the top prize for a comedy programme. It had already collected eight prizes at the earlier Creative Arts ceremonies, which cover guest acting, craft and technical awards, including guest actress for Betty Gilpin.
Those early ceremonies, held ahead of the main telecast, also spread wins to other first-season favourites. Coverage of the 7 September event noted wins for both Widow's Bay and the medical drama The Pitt. Associated Press
The broader season has been a year for newcomers. The Television Academy said the 78th Emmys had 28 first-time nominees across all performing categories. Television Academy O'Flynn sits squarely in that group, recognised at her first attempt.
Apple also came into the Emmys with scale behind it. The company said it had scored a record 89 Emmy nominations across its slate, its highest total to date. Apple That tally covers drama, comedy and limited series plus craft areas.
What makes this stand out for fans is simple. A first-season series does not usually land 19 nominations and then keep winning through September. For the Widow's Bay team, it means a debut run that ends with silverware and a larger audience finding the show on catch-up.
For O'Flynn, it means a character actor's part has carried her to the main stage. Patricia started as the mayor's right hand. She ended the night as an Emmy-winning role.
