PremiumEmmy Awards 2024: Jean Smart triumphs again with lead comedy actress for Hacks
Jean Smart won her third Emmy for Hacks and joked about craving more attention during her humble acceptance speech.
Last Updated: 07.39 AM, Sep 16, 2024
Jean Smart's performance as Deborah Vance in Max's Hacks (third season) was honoured with the Emmy for lead comedy actress, streaming live on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).
Including her involvement in Hacks, this is her sixth Emmy and the third time she has won for that series. She received two Golden Globes for her work in Frasier in 2000 and 2001, and another for her supporting role in Samantha Who? in 2008.
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Jean Smart's humourous acceptance speech
"It's very humbling, it really is. And I appreciate this, because I just don't get enough attention. I’m serious," Smart declared as he stepped across the platform to receive the trophy.
"I will never be able to thank you enough for thinking of me with this incredible role. Casey and Sara and everybody at HBO. At Max—I'm sorry. Just what we needed, another network," she remarked with a laugh, leaving the audience in splits.
In her tribute to Scott Henderson, her agent for over 30 years, she described him as the most amazing, cultured, tasteful, kind, funny man who never tried to talk me into or out of things I really didn't feel great about, and she went on to say that his retirement was breaking her heart.
Jean Smart's notable roles beyond Hacks
On top of her fame from Hacks, Smart is also noted for her roles as Regina Newley on ABC's Samantha Who? (2007–2009) and Charlene Frazier Stillfield on CBS's Designing Women (1981/2001). Her other television appearances include 2015's Fargo and 2017-2019's Legion on FX, as well as 2019's Watchmen and 2021's Mare of Easttown on HBO.
For their roles in Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, Loot, and Palm Royale, Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, and others were nominated respectively for top comedy actress.
Additional Hacks nominations
On Sunday, Hacks was nominated for several comedy-related awards, including series, supporting actress (Hannah Einbinder), supporting actor (Paul W. Downs), directing, and writing.