The Television Academy has announced that the 2020 Creative Arts Emmys will be an innovative virtual event taking place over several nights in September. The new format for these ceremonies is currently in development. Originally the Creative Arts Emmys were supposed to be presented during two in-person evening gala ceremonies over the weekend of Sept. 12-13.
The Creative Arts Emmys award talented artists and craftspeople in categories across all genres including reality, variety, documentary, animation, comedy, drama, limited series and movies.
Additionally, for the first time in Emmy history, the Academy will forgo its annual Governors Ball events that have traditionally followed both the Emmys and Creative Arts Emmys. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of Emmy winners, nominees and guests during the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for our industry; and though we are now making plans to get back to work, we know there are many still suffering from the work stoppage caused by the coronavirus,” said Television Academy chairman and CEO Frank Scherma. “As we strive to do the right thing for our community with these changes to our annual events, the Television Academy is also pleased to support those still in need with a $1 million donation to The Actors Fund COVID-19 Relief Fund.”
Scherma said that the gift will add to a pipeline of support for those in the entertainment industry who are struggling to meet basic needs due to layoffs, employment furloughs and other impacts of the pandemic. “As the industry reemerges, we will continue to support our more than 24,000 members and our community through this donation and our Academy’s programs and resources,” he said.
Since March 18, 2020, The Actors Fund has provided more than $12.5 million in emergency financial assistance to 10,598 people who work in performing arts and entertainment.
The Television Academy and its 2020 Emmy broadcast partner, ABC Television Network, continue to plan for the 72nd Emmy Awards telecast on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. As discussions regarding the format and production of the Emmys evolve, Scherma said both the Academy and ABC are committed to delivering a show that honors television’s unparalleled role throughout 2020 in bringing people together during a worldwide pandemic as well as acknowledge and support the unprecedented national and global demand for social justice and equality.
