Jean Smart Clinches Fourth ‘Hacks’ Emmy, Jokes About Broken Knee

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14, 2025 - Jean Smart won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday night, quipping that her “John Wayne” gait was due to a summer knee injury.

Smart’s victory for portraying Deborah Vance in HBO Max’s Hacks marks her fourth Emmy in this category, underscoring her enduring comedic prowess and her show’s ongoing acclaim.

Nut Graf

By adding another trophy to her mantle, Smart cements her status as one of television’s most decorated comedy performers. Her win not only celebrates her own talent but also highlights the continued popularity and critical success of Hacks as it heads into its fifth season.

Award Ceremony Context

Subhead: Emmys Kickoff Honors Comedy Talent

  • The awards ceremony, hosted by Nate Bargatze at the Peacock Theater, began with early honors for comedy categories.
  • Seth Rogen received the first trophy of the evening for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Speech Highlights

Subhead: Smart’s Lighthearted Acceptance

  • “If I’m walking like John Wayne, it’s because I broke my knee this summer and it’s not quite healed,” Smart joked onstage.
  • She thanked her “unbelievable” crew, “incredible” castmates led by Hannah Einbinder, her showrunners, and her children, whom she called her “anchor”.

Competition and Legacy

Subhead: Stiff Nominee Lineup Smart prevailed over nominees Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This), Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), and Uzo Aduba (The Residence).

Subhead: Hacks’ Renewal and Records

  • In May, HBO Max renewed Hacks for a fifth season, making it the longest-running live-action series on the platform.
  • Smart’s performance continues to be a driving force behind the show’s accolades and viewer engagement.

Host’s Time Limit Incentive

Subhead: Keeping Speeches Concise Host Nate Bargatze reminded winners of the 45-second time limit, threatening to reduce a charity donation for every second over-a rule he called “brutal” but necessary to keep the show on schedule.