Los Angeles, California – Sally Field, a two-time Academy Award winner, made headlines by winning an Emmy at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026. In an emotional acceptance speech, the 79-year-old actress unexpectedly expressed her gratitude to Canada, a remark that resonated with a star-studded audience.
“Blessed Canada, our neighbors, our friends,” Field declared, prompting cheers and applause from fellow attendees. Her acknowledgment of the country comes at a time when U.S.-Canada relations face scrutiny, particularly in light of recent political events and trade tensions.
Field received the prestigious award for her role as Tova Sullivan in the Netflix film “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” While ascending the stage, she exhibited sheer disbelief, exclaiming, “This is not supposed to happen.” She conveyed her passion for the project, stating, “I love this project from page one,” and highlighted its unique narrative involving an elderly woman, a young man, and an octopus. Field expressed heartfelt thanks to her team, including director Olivia Newman and cinematographer Ashley Connor, as well as the artists behind Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus featured in the film.
With this latest victory, Field has set a record as the oldest recipient in her category, surpassing the previous record held by Jessica Tandy. Field’s win marks her fourth Emmy, adding to a remarkable career that includes ten nominations. She has also earned Oscars for her performances in “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart,” along with a nomination for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in “Lincoln.”
During her speech, Field took a moment to address the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal valued at $111 billion that has stirred concern within the entertainment industry. “We are the arts, we matter,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of preserving diverse voices in storytelling against the backdrop of consolidation in Hollywood.
The merger has raised alarm among creatives, who argue that it threatens jobs and the integrity of artistic expression. As such, Field urged her peers to advocate for their craft, reminding them of the significance of their contributions.
After the ceremony, Field reflected further on her experience filming in Canada. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” was shot in Deep Cove, British Columbia, a location that holds personal significance for her. “This film was about things that matter to me greatly about friendship, family, and home,” she shared with reporters, emphasizing the warm welcome she received while filming in the country.
Field continued, “Let’s keep our friendships. Let’s keep our neighbors close. Fight for it. Stand up for it. Don’t give it away. Resist,” underlining the importance of maintaining international bonds.
Mariska Hargitay hosted the Emmy ceremony, which garnered 6.7 million viewers, a decrease of nearly 10 percent from the previous year. The event also marked a historic moment for Matthew Rhys, who became the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in one night for his performances in “Widow’s Bay” and “The Beast in Me.”
Throughout the evening, the ceremony acknowledged Canada multiple times, culminating in Michael J. Fox, a Burnaby native, receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his advocacy work centered on Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he has lived with since 1991.