Golden Globes 2026: Jean Smart Wins Best Actress in a TV Musical or Comedy
When it comes to television royalty, few names command respect quite like Jean Smart, the star of “Hacks”. Sunday night proved her reign is far from over. In a ceremony packed with glitz, glamour, and high stakes, the moment everyone is talking about wasn’t just her win—it was her trademark blend of humor, grace, and pointed commentary on the state of the world.
A Night of “Greedy” Glory
The Beverly Hilton buzzed as the winner for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy was announced. For the third time, Jean Smart took home the trophy for her portrayal of the prickly yet lovable comedian Deborah Vance on the HBO Max hit.
Once she reached the microphone, Smart immediately had the room laughing. With her signature wit, she joked about her growing collection of awards. “What can I say? I’m a greedy b—-,” she quipped, drawing loud laughter. It was a classic Deborah Vance moment—sharp, self‑aware, and perfectly delivered.
But the win wasn’t just about the jokes. Smart acknowledged her good fortune, saying, “I’m one of the luckiest people, not in this room, in this entire business.”
A Gentleman’s Assist
Before she could deliver her punchlines, Smart had to make her way to the stage—a moment that came with a touch of old Hollywood charm. George Clooney, a nominee himself that evening, offered his arm and escorted her up the stairs.
The gesture added warmth to the broadcast. Even in a competitive room, Smart remained the center of attention, supported by peers who clearly admire her.
Facing Stiff Competition
Smart’s victory was especially impressive given the powerhouse talent nominated alongside her. Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This”), Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”), Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”), Natasha Lyonne (“Poker Face”), and Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”) rounded out a stacked category.
Despite the strong field, voters once again chose Smart. Her ability to keep Deborah Vance fresh, vulnerable, and hilarious four seasons in speaks to her enduring skill and sharp instincts.
Gratitude and “Doing the Right Thing”
While the “greedy” joke grabbed headlines, most of Smart’s speech focused on the people behind the scenes. She praised her “brilliant” co‑star Hannah Einbinder, the showrunners, and the writers’ room, noting that her performance relies heavily on the material and the support around her.
Toward the end, her tone shifted. Referencing a conversation she’d had earlier in the night, she kept her closing remarks brief but pointed: “Let’s all do the right thing. I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing is to do. So, let’s do the right thing.”
The sentiment echoed comments she made on the red carpet, where she spoke about the heaviness of the current political moment and described the night as a “turning point” for the country.
The Red Carpet “Rant”
Earlier in the evening, Smart admitted that the celebration felt somewhat overshadowed by national events. She told reporters she hoped people could “keep their heads,” noting that doing so would take “courage and concerns.” Her stage remarks carried that same weight—less a generic call for unity and more a plea for steadiness during turbulent times.
The Legacy of Deborah Vance
This win marks Smart’s third Globe for “Hacks” out of four nominations in recent years. She previously won in 2022 and 2025. Her portrayal of Deborah Vance has revitalized her career and cemented the character as one of the decade’s most memorable.
With the show already renewed for a fifth season and filming reportedly going well, it’s likely Smart will be back on the awards circuit soon.
A Night to Remember
From Clooney’s helping hand to the laughter she sparked and the sober reflection she offered, Sunday night captured everything that defines Jean Smart: multifaceted talent, sharp humor, and a willingness to speak her mind.
As awards season continues, the bar has been set high. Jean Smart delivered a masterclass in how to accept an award—with humor, humility, and a dose of hard truth.
