The 2021 awards season enters its golden status zone on Sunday, Sept. 19, with the primetime Emmy Awards telecast. It’s the annual occasion when TV’s biggest stars and series battle it out — all while maintaining gracious on-camera smiles and courtesy claps, of course — to win the small screen’s most prestigious honor.
Last year’s Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmys ceremony were dragged down by coronavirus restrictions, virtual speeches and technical snafus — so the 73rd annual “live and ‘in-person'” ceremony is expected to be a big step up, according to the show’s head honcho.
“Television has provided a lifeline for so many around the globe this year, delivering a constant source of entertainment, information and inspiration during some of our
most difficult days,” said TV Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma in a statement. “We are thrilled to honor the diversity of storytelling in television today by recognizing talented artists, programs, producers, directors and craftspeople throughout our industry and celebrating their commitment to this extraordinary medium.”
So without further ado, here’s all you need to know before the 2021 Emmys air:
When and where will the show take place?
The 2021 Emmys will air on Sunday, Sept. 19. at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on CBS. The action will be broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Where will it be live-streamed?
The Emmys will be streamed on Paramount+, the official CBS streaming service which starts at $5 a month with ads and $10 sans ads, after a seven-day free trial. Access it via web browser, smartphones, smart TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung, Playstation 4, and Xbox One and Series X.
Another option: Hulu + Live will run you $65 a month and stream via laptops, smartphones, tablet, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Samsung, LG, Nintendo Switch, and Android TV.
When does the red carpet start?
E! Live from the Red Carpet starts streaming its “countdown” at 4:30 p.m. — with the live star stroll launching at 6 p.m. Entertainment Weekly’s pre-show livestream will step off at the same time. Note: The official CBS Emmy Awards’ red carpet coverage is kaput this year thanks to Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL game.
Who’s hosting the show?
Comedian Cedric the Entertainer will be hosting the ceremony.
“The Neighborhood” star said he’s been watching the Emmys “since I was a little boy huddled up next to my grandmother. Television has always been my reliable friend, so it is an enormous honor for me to host.”
The first-time emcee also commented on the special importance TV plays during times of struggle: “Throughout the roller-coaster of a year that we have all lived through, television has helped us stay connected as a society like never before. It not only entertained us, but as it always has, it helped to open our eyes, educate us, and hopefully brought about a better understanding of who we are as a people. I can’t wait to take the stage to celebrate all of the great shows and performances that made us laugh, cry, dance and sing over the past year.”
Who’s nominated this year?
The 2021 noms were virtually announced — check out the full list of nominees here — on July 13 by Ron and Jasmine Cephas Jones. Breakout series such as “The Boys” and “Bridgerton” are up for best drama series, and MJ Rodriguez made history when she was announced as the first transgender actress to be nominated for a major acting award.
“The Mandalorian” and “The Crown” tied for this year’s most-nominated series with 24 noms each. Disney+’s “WandaVision” came in a close second with 23 nods. HBO Max’s groundbreaking series such as “Mare of Easttown,” “I May Destroy You,” “The Flight Attendant” and “Lovecraft Country” earned several nods as well.
Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” scored 20 award nods and Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” and “The Kominsky Method” also both garnered nominations.
Who’s performing?
R&B singer Leon Bridges and singer Jon Batiste will perform a special song for the night’s “In Memoriam” presentation. “The Late Late Show with James Corden” band leader and comedian Reggie Watts will take over duties as DJ for the night.
Who’s presenting?
Annaleigh Ashford, Awkwafina, Misty Copeland, Michael Douglas, Ava DuVernay, Taraji P. Henson, Gayle King, LL COOL J, Dolly Parton, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ellen Pompeo, Yara Shahidi, Rita Wilson and Catherine Zeta-Jones are among those announced to present. Check out the full list of presenters here.
