The Emmys: Celebrating the best of the best in TV
The journey to the Emmys
The Television Academy awards almost every aspect of primetime TV, but who recognizes the Emmys themselves? As we approach the final stretch of the Emmy campaign trail, the votes are in, and the FYC (For Your Consideration) events are over. The focus now shifts to the Creative Arts Emmys this weekend and the 76th Primetime Emmys on September 15.
Before we dive into the official ceremonies, let’s take a moment to highlight some of the standout moments, surprises, and unique aspects of this year’s Emmy campaigns. Here are our own awards for the highlights of the Emmy season.
Outstanding quid pro quo
The relationship between the TV Academy and the Paley Center has always been a bit complex. Both organizations celebrate TV’s legacy and its current landscape, hosting panels and events with popular shows and newsmakers. In the early 2000s, there was even talk of the Paley Center launching an Emmy rival. While that didn’t happen, this year saw a significant overlap, with many PaleyFest events doubling as Emmy FYC events for shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Morning Show.
Outstanding performance by an FYC poodle
Every year, Amazon MGM Studios head of awards, Debra Birnbaum, outdoes herself with the Amazon “Prime Experience” activation. This event features food, sets, wardrobes, props, and more from its contenders. However, the real star is Birnbaum’s poodle, Sammy Nugget, who has become the unofficial mascot of Amazon MGM Studios, often seen strolling through the exhibits.
Outstanding category game changer
When FX decided to move Shōgun to the drama series race, it shook up the competition. This move threatened what was likely a sure win for The Crown and made the drama series category much more interesting.
Outstanding use of icons
Seeing Carol Burnett (91) and Dick Van Dyke (98) actively campaigning for their shows was truly inspiring. Burnett promoted Palm Royale on Apple TV+, while Van Dyke stumped for CBS’ Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic. Their dedication puts many younger contenders to shame.
Outstanding shameless use of a podcast to get free Chicago-style pizza
In a delightful twist, I recorded a podcast with Seth Meyers to talk about pizza. The generous folks at Gino’s East in Sherman Oaks provided more food than we could eat, and our pizza discussion served as a great starting point to talk about Meyers’ upbringing, his first job, his family, and the New York vs. Los Angeles debate.
Outstanding show-appropriate mailer
Peacock’s The Traitors sent out a “Scottish summer survival kit” as part of their Emmy campaign. The kit featured items inspired by the show, including a version of contestant Parvarti Shallow’s iconic headbands.
Outstanding performance by an FYC food delivery robot
Saymo, the food delivery robot, stole the show at the FYC event for John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA on Netflix. Saymo’s presence added a unique and memorable touch to the event.
Outstanding FYC event DJ
An Emmy event titled “Drag Race @ Roller Rink” promised a fun celebration for MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. The highlight of the night was RuPaul himself, who spent most of the evening in the DJ booth, spinning tracks like ABBA’s “Waterloo” and a remix of Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.”
As we head into the final gauntlet of the Emmy season, good luck to all the nominees at this weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys. We’ll see you next week during the final Emmys 2024 circuit. If you win on September 15 at the Primetime Emmys ceremony, be sure to say hello in the press room!