LOS ANGELES: The Television Academy has removed five award categories from this year’s primetime Emmy broadcast as organisers seek to make the three-hour ceremony more entertaining, prompting criticism from major Hollywood guilds.
According to Variety, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted to move the affected categories to ceremonies taking place ahead of the September 14 NBC telecast. Consequently, the primetime ceremony will present 19 awards, down from 26 last year.
The shifted categories include writing for a variety series, supporting actor and actress in a limited or anthology series or movie, and directing and writing for a limited or anthology series or movie.
Academy Seeks More Time for Entertainment
Academy chair Cris Abrego said reducing the number of televised awards would create more room for musical performances, comedy segments and acceptance speeches.
However, the Directors Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America criticised the decision, arguing that removing categories from the primetime broadcast devalues the artists being honoured.
UTA also objected to the timing, saying the Academy should have announced the changes before revealing nominees.
Emmys Aim to Build on Audience Growth
The overhaul comes as organisers seek to strengthen television viewership. Last year’s CBS ceremony attracted an average audience of 7.4 million, an 8% increase from 2024 and the Emmys’ largest audience since 2021.
Meanwhile, the Academy is considering its future broadcasting arrangements as its rotating agreement with ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox expires after this year.
Mariska Hargitay will host the September 14 ceremony from the Peacock Theatre at LA Live. NBC will broadcast the event live, while Peacock will provide streaming coverage.
Abrego said the Academy would engage with industry guilds while trying to preserve the Emmys’ integrity and cultural relevance.
