Rob Reiner has won a posthumous Emmy Award for his performance in The Bear at an early ceremony eight days before the main awards show.

Reiner – the director of some of the most beloved American films of all time such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally – and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead from stab wounds in their Los Angeles home last December.

Their son Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder, and has pleaded not guilty.

On Sunday (6 September), Reiner won the award for outstanding guest actor in a comedy for his role as Albert Schnur in The Bear at the ceremony formerly known as the Creative Arts Emmys, and received a standing ovation from the audience.

The award was accepted on Reiner’s behalf by presenter Wendi McLendon-Covey, who told the audience: “It's appropriate to stand for this one. I know we all wish Rob could be here tonight.”

The late actor beat other category nominees Michael J Fox (Shrinking), Connor Storrie (nominated for his Saturday Night Live hosting stint), Brett Goldstein (Shrinking), Hamish Linklater (Widow’s Bay) and Christopher McDonald (Hacks).

The Bear follows Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), an award-winning chef who returns to his hometown of Chicago to manage his family’s chaotic Italian sandwich shop following the death of his brother.

Reiner previously won Emmys in 1974 and 1978 for his role on All In the Family.

His win over the weekend has seen him break the record for the longest gap between acting wins in Emmys history.

DTF St Louis followed with six wins, while The Pitt won four Emmys.

Elsewhere at the early ceremony, Shailene Woodley won her first Emmy for her role in the second season of the post-apocalyptic series Paradise.

David Harbour also won his first Emmy at the ceremony, taking home outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for his role as Floyd Smernitch in DTF St Louis.

The primetime Emmys ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on 14 September.

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