Emmy Awards Postponed Due to Hollywood Strikes: Will Take Place in January
LOS ANGELES: This year’s Emmy Awards will be postponed due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes, US media reported.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the television industry’s most prestigious event, often referred to as the television equivalent of the Oscars, was originally scheduled to take place in September. However, due to the strikes, the ceremony could be pushed back as far as January.
Variety, a trade publication, revealed that vendors, producers, and others involved with the event have already been informed of the delay, although an official announcement has not yet been made.
While a new date for the show has not been set, a source familiar with the plans confirmed that the postponement is underway.
The strikes in Hollywood have led to a halt in production for both actors and writers, marking the first industry-wide walkout in 63 years. With actors on strike, stars would be unable to attend the Emmys, which would be disastrous for television ratings. Additionally, writers would not be able to script a monologue or jokes for the telecast’s host and presenters.
Reports suggest that Fox, the broadcaster for this year’s Emmy Awards in the United States, has been advocating for a delay until January in order to allow more time for the strikes to be resolved. On the other hand, the Television Academy, responsible for voting on and hosting the awards, prefers a shorter postponement, as a January date would coincide with Hollywood’s crowded film award season.
As of now, neither Fox nor the Television Academy has commented on the matter.
This isn’t the first time the Emmys have been delayed. In 2001, the ceremony was postponed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Hollywood strikes continue to impact the entire US movie and television production industry, with limited exceptions such as reality and game shows. As a result of the strikes, members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are forbidden from promoting their movies and series.
The unions are demanding better pay in the streaming era, as well as seeking protection against the encroachment of artificial intelligence on their careers and future livelihoods.
Recently, the nominations for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced, just hours before talks between studios and SAG-AFTRA collapsed. HBO’s drama series Succession, revolving around an ultra-wealthy family’s battle for control of a sinister media empire, led the nominations with an impressive 27 nods, including a nomination for best drama.
In a groundbreaking moment, live-action video game adaptation The Last of Us earned 24 major nominations, while satire series The White Lotus received 23 nods.
As the industry grapples with the strikes, the postponement of the Emmy Awards highlights the far-reaching impact and uncertainty caused by the ongoing labor disputes. The television community eagerly awaits a resolution that will allow the industry to resume normal operations and celebrate its best achievements at the highly anticipated Emmy Awards.
