Zendaya and Jean Smart Set to Make Emmy History with Potential Sweep

As the television industry gears up for the 2026 Emmy Awards, all eyes are on two powerhouse actresses poised to make history. Zendaya and Jean Smart are on the brink of achieving a groundbreaking feat: the first-ever Emmy sweep by women for every season of their respective series, “Euphoria” and “Hacks.” With both shows kicking off new seasons this Sunday, the potential for this historic moment has fans and critics buzzing. Zendaya, who plays troubled teen Rue Bennett in HBO’s “Euphoria,” has already etched her name in Emmy lore by winning the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020 for her riveting performance. The show's unflinching exploration of addiction, mental health, and the complexities of adolescence resonates deeply with viewers, making Zendaya’s portrayal a critical favorite. If she secures another win this year, it would mark her third consecutive Emmy, a feat matched only by a select few in the awards’ history. On the other side, Jean Smart has taken the comedy world by storm with her portrayal of the sharp-witted comedian Deborah Vance in HBO Max’s “Hacks.” Smart snagged her first Emmy for the role in 2021, and her performance has only grown more nuanced and layered as the series has progressed. With a second consecutive win, Smart could join the ranks of legends, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Historically, Emmy victories for multiple seasons are rare. The only performer to achieve a win for every season of a series with three or more seasons is Bill Cosby, who did so with “I Spy” in the late 1960s. Blythe Danner also won for two seasons of “Huff,” but that series ended prematurely. More recently, Julia Louis-Dreyfus had an impressive run with six wins over seven seasons of “Veep,” only falling short in the final season. Yet, the prospect of Zendaya and Smart completing a full sweep would be unprecedented and a major milestone for women in television. The significance of this potential achievement goes beyond the awards. It highlights the evolution of female-led narratives on television, showcasing strong, complex characters who are not just supporting roles but are central to the storytelling. Both “Euphoria” and “Hacks” have received acclaim for their writing, direction, and the way they tackle serious topics, marking a shift in how women are portrayed on screen. As the Emmy Awards draw near, anticipation builds. The question remains: can both actresses pull off this historical sweep? Their respective shows have garnered critical acclaim and a solid fanbase, but as any seasoned Emmy observer knows, the competition can be fierce. Numerous factors, including timing, prevailing industry sentiments, and even the politics of the awards, can influence outcomes. Fans of both series will undoubtedly rally behind their favorites, but the stakes are high. The 2026 Emmys could serve as a pivotal moment for representation and acknowledgment of women’s contributions in the entertainment industry. Should Zendaya and Smart succeed, it would symbolize not just personal victories, but a collective stride toward inclusion and recognition for women in a historically male-dominated arena. The excitement is palpable as the new seasons air, and with them, the possibility of an Emmy sweep looms ever closer. As we gear up for what could become a landmark event in Emmy history, audiences will be watching closely, cheering on these two trailblazing women as they aim to make their mark on television history. Whether they achieve this unprecedented milestone or not, Zendaya and Jean Smart have already inspired a generation of performers and changed the landscape of television. Here’s hoping that when the Emmy Awards roll around, they’ll be able to take their victories from the screen to the stage, creating a moment that will resonate throughout the industry for years to come.