The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie is an award presented annually by the
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It is given in honor of an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role on a
television limited series or
television movie for the primetime network season.
The award was first presented at the
7th Primetime Emmy Awards on March 7, 1955, to
Robert Cummings, for his performance as Juror #8 on the Studio One episode "
Twelve Angry Men". It has undergone several name changes, with the category split into two categories at the
25th Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy; and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series. By the
31st Primetime Emmy Awards, the categories were merged into one, and it has since undergone several name changes, leading to its current title.
Since its inception, the award has been given to 58 actors.
Steven Yeun is the current recipient of the award, for his portrayal of Danny Cho on Beef.
Laurence Olivier has won the most awards in this category, with four, while
Hal Holbrook has received the most nominations for the award, on seven occasions.