Keri Russell Told Matthew Rhys Not to Thank Her at the Emmys, and Her Reason Is Perfect

Keri Russell just gave us the most unexpectedly sweet relationship story of the week. On Chelsea Handler’s“Dear Chelsea”podcast, she revealed that she told Matthew Rhys he did not need to thank her in his Emmy acceptance speeches. Why? Because he gets nervous about public speaking. Her words:“Take me off your plate. Like, you don’t have to thank me. I know you love me.”

The timing here is wild, since Rhys just had a massive 2026 Emmys. He won lead actor in a limited series for“The Beast in Me”and lead actor in a comedy for“Widow’s Bay,”which swept the night with 14 total wins. Russell was nominated too, for lead actress in a drama for“The Diplomat”and as an executive producer. So this was not a quiet weekend at their house.

Russell also addressed the fans who still criticize Rhys for not thanking her at the 2018 Emmys, calling that backlash“stupid”and“lame.”Her take is simple: it’s his minute, and he can thank the dog walker if he wants. The couple has been together over a decade and shares a 10-year-old son, Sam. So, should a partner always get a shoutout on stage, or is it okay to keep the speech simple? Sound off in the comments.