Primetime Emmys Are Officially Going Virtual For 2020

If you caught the nominations announcement for the 72nd Emmy Awards on Tuesday you were greeted with a virtual production that has become commonplace since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The emcee, Leslie Jones, described how she took an empty plane from New York to Los Angeles and was taken to an empty studio which included only a cameraperson. Joining her via zoom, skype or some other online conference tool from their homes (or some other locations) were Laverne Cox, Josh Gad and Tatiana Maslany. Judging on a letter Primetime Emmys host Jimmy Kimmel sent some of the nominees, we should expect much of the same for the televised ceremony in September.

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The note, which was initially obtained by Variety, reads: “We’re delighted and honored to be producing the event on September 20th and have every intention of not only making sure that it is not compromised by this crazy moment in our lives, but that it is the most memorable Emmys ever and that you have a wonderful night. As you’ve probably guessed, we’re not going to be asking you to come to the Microsoft Theatre in downtown LA on September 20th. This year, it’s still going to be TV industry’s biggest night out… but we’ll come to you!”

It continues, “We are assembling a top-notch team of technicians, producers and writers to work closely with Jimmy Kimmel and with you and your team, to make sure that we can film with you (and loved ones or whomever else you choose to be with) at your home, or another location of your choice. We’re going to make you look fabulous – we’re exploring the cutting edge of technology to allow to use good cameras and lighting and look forward to working with you to produce your unique ‘on-screen” moments.’”

The talent, which just appears to refer to the acting nominees, for now, can appear in formal wear (“we’d love that”) but the correspondence continues “if you’re in the UK and it’s 3 am, perhaps you want to be in designer pajamas and record from your bed! We want to work with you to style your moments, but want you to guide us on your levels of comfort – where you want to be, who you want to be with, what you want to wear, etc.”

The correspondence was signed by Kimmel along with telecast executive producers Ian Stewart, Reggie Hudlin, Guy Carrington and David Jammy.

The fact the Primetime Emmys are going virtual isn’t a surprise. Just today the state of California broke a record for the most COVID deaths in a 24-hour period and Los Angeles remains an epicenter for the region. But the letter leaves a number of major questions unanswered. Will presenters pre-tape each category or also be zooming in from somewhere? Will the series categories also be accepted virtually? Will Kimmell appear on stage by himself in the Microsoft Theater, the Television Academy theater in North Hollywood or somewhere else? Will the show be full of just taped segments and clip reels? Without live winners or even musical numbers, such as the MTV VMAs are going to pull off next month, will anyone want to watch?

Needless to say, assuming a vaccine isn’t widely available early next year, the producers of the SAG Awards, Golden Globes and even the Oscars will be taking notes on what works and what doesn’t.

The 2020 Primetime Emmy Award will be televised on Sept. 20 at 5:00 PM PT, 8:00 PM ET on ABC.