Emmy Awards’ 75th Edition in Jeopardy as Hollywood Strikes Threaten Postponement

The 75th annual Emmy Awards are facing a probable postponement from its scheduled date of September 18th this year due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes. The strikes have impacted various aspects of the entertainment industry, including vendors, producers, and other participants involved in the ceremony, leading to the decision to push back the event.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences had revealed its nominees for the 75th annual Emmy Awards on July 12th, just a day before the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) initiated their strike. Additionally, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May, with both unions advocating for higher streaming residuals and protections related to the use of AI in their works.

Though the Television Academy has not officially confirmed the Emmy Awards’ delay, the situation suggests that even if the event were to proceed, it would witness a considerable number of empty seats. According to the rules of the strikes, actors and writers cannot accept awards or participate in events promoting struck work. Unionized actors are unable to host or present at the show, while writers cannot create scripts.

In response to the situation, the Television Academy expressed hope for an equitable resolution in the ongoing guild negotiations. The uncertainty surrounding the strikes has raised concerns about when the event could be rescheduled. While Fox, the channel airing the 2023 Emmys, is targeting a January 2024 broadcast, the Television Academy aims for a November date. However, given the lack of progress and cooperation from major Hollywood producers, the possibility of the Emmys taking place this year remains doubtful.

This potential postponement marks the first time since 2001 that the Emmy Awards ceremony faces such a delay. Back then, in the wake of the September 11th attacks, the Television Academy chose to defer the event until November. Despite the current situation, the phase two voting for the awards is still set to occur on August 17th, as reported by Variety.