Emmys yank five awards from live broadcast; Netflix, HBO and unions lead backlash
Netflix, HBO and leading entertainment unions sent the Television Academy a joint letter opposing its plan to drop five major categories from the Primetime Emmys telecast.
The shake-up is concrete: five trophies that usually land on the main Emmys stage will now be handed out a week earlier, at the Creative Arts ceremonies on September 6, instead of during the live Primetime Emmys on September 14. The Television Academy says the switch is meant to make more room for “entertainment” during the broadcast; winners in these categories will now be announced off the big night.
What moved off the show
- Writing for a Variety Series
- Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Those writing and directing races have traditionally been part of the main telecast, alongside the marquee acting awards. Moving them off the broadcast means some of TV’s most closely watched limited-series categories will now play out the weekend before.
Unions push back
Reaction was swift. According to Variety, SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, and the Writers Guild of America issued a rare joint statement condemning the decision and arguing it sidelines the talent the Emmys are supposed to honor.
“The Emmys exist to celebrate the best of television and the artists who are central to bringing these stories to life. The decision to eliminate these categories from the primetime broadcast devalues the contributions of the talented people the Academy is meant to honor.”
Behind the scenes, top buyers reportedly weighed in as well: Netflix co-CEO Bela Bajaria and HBO/Max chief Casey Bloys expressed frustration directly to the Television Academy, per Variety.
The ripple effects are immediate for nominees in those fields, who could now face a two-weekend Emmys run if they want to accept in person. Names in the mix this season include:
- Jason Bateman
- Charles Melton
- David Harbour
- Dakota Fanning
- Nick Offerman
- Lee Sung Jin
When to watch
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are set for September 14, airing live coast-to-coast on NBC and streaming on Peacock from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE. Mariska Hargitay will host.
The Creative Arts Emmys, which will now include the five shifted categories, take place the prior weekend on September 6.