LOS ANGELES, California: Emmy category changes will move five awards to September 6 instead of the September 14 NBC primetime telecast, drawing opposition from Hollywood’s major directors’, actors’, and writers’ guilds.
The Television Academy announced the change in July, saying the three-hour broadcast needed more room to celebrate television programmes, artists and entertainment moments. Academy chair Cris Abrego said producers wanted greater flexibility within the live show.
The affected awards are writing for a variety series; supporting actor and supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie; directing for a limited or anthology series or movie; and writing for a limited or anthology series or movie. All five are scheduled for the Sunday, September 6 ceremony.
The Directors Guild of America (DGA), SAG-AFTRA, and Writers Guild of America (WGA) issued a joint statement opposing the move, arguing that removing the categories from the primetime telecast reduces recognition for the artists involved.
The changes come after the 2025 Emmy telecast on CBS averaged 7.4 million viewers, up 8% from the previous year and the largest audience for the awards since 2021.
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The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by actor Mariska Hargitay, will air live from the Peacock Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m, streaming simultaneously on Peacock.
