FINALLY, A WIN FOR MATTHEW RHYS

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys on Monday took home the Emmy for best actor in a drama series for his role in FX’s Cold War spy thriller The Americans — a big win for the critically acclaimed show in its final season. Some industry pundits have called it the “Jon Hamm factor,” as both actors won their lone Emmys for defining roles in their final year of eligibility. Rhys bested a tough field that included last year’s winner Sterling K. Brown (This is Us),

Ed Harris (Westworld), Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us), Jeffrey Wright (Westworld) and Jason Bateman (Ozark).

“Parts like these come along so rarely,” Rhys told the audience at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, thanking show creator Joe Weisberg. “What you created and risked, I will be forever in your debt.”

The 43-year-old Rhys starred for six seasons as Philip Jennings, part of a husband-wife team of Soviet sleeper agents posing as Americans — and living next door to an FBI agent.