Downton Abbey won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards in total. The figure refers to competitive Primetime Emmy wins accumulated across the television series, including awards presented at both the main ceremony and the Creative Arts Emmys.
The drama was an unusually strong international contender at the Emmys. Its first season won Outstanding Miniseries or Movie at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2011, along with awards for writing, directing, acting, cinematography and costumes. Maggie Smith was one of the show’s most celebrated winners, receiving three Emmys for playing Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess.
Downton Abbey earned 69 Primetime Emmy nominations during its run. Its 15 wins are sometimes confused with nomination totals, individual-season totals or awards from other organisations such as the Golden Globes and BAFTAs.
The show’s Emmy success helped establish it as one of the most internationally acclaimed British period dramas. It was also recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011.