Get ready for the most star-studded Zoom call of the year – the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards will take place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter obtained by our sister publication Variety, executive producers Ian Stewart, Reggie Hudlin, Guy Carrington, David Jammy and host Jimmy Kimmel informed the nominees on Tuesday that this year’s ceremony will not take place in person.
“As you probably guessed, we are not going to ask you to come to the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles on September 20,” the letter says. “This year, it will continue to be the biggest night in the television industry … but we will come after you!”
The EPs continued to bring about a ceremony “that is more relaxed, more entertaining, more enjoyable not just for you, but for the millions watching at home,” adding that “we will do it in a way that’s appropriate for the moment.”
Specific details on how the ceremony will unfold have yet to come. Meanwhile, the EPs assured the nominees that “we are assembling a world-class team of technicians, producers and writers to work closely with Jimmy Kimmel and you” to bring the virtual ceremony to a successful conclusion.
“We cannot ignore the circumstances, and apart from NOT being able to unite in one place, we also recognize that our world is going through a challenging time in many ways,” the letter continues. “We will produce an event full of warmth and humanity, celebrating the power of television to unite and help us shape our world. You are an essential part of that story. “
The decision to forgo a ceremony in person is not surprising given the number of live events that have been affected by the pandemic. The Daytime Emmy Awards, held in June, were also virtual, as were the BET Awards. (MTV, meanwhile, is moving forward with a live ceremony for its upcoming Video Music Awards.)
Nominations for the Primetime Emmys 2020 were announced Tuesday (see full list here), with Netflix leading the pack with 160 total nods. The virtual ceremony will air on Sunday, September 20 on ABC.
