The 2024 Emmy Awards are facing an uncertain future amidst industry unrest. Scheduled for September 16th, the ceremony could see significant delays or changes due to ongoing labor disputes. But the nominations themselves have already caused a stir, with confusion over which seasons of shows are eligible and favorites jostling for position.
Emmy Ceremony Could Be Delayed Due to Strikes
The 2024 Emmy ceremony is in jeopardy of being delayed due to potential strikes by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), reports Vulture. The groups are currently negotiating contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), but talks have stalled.
IATSE has threatened to strike if satisfactory deals are not reached by March 31st when their contract expires. This could significantly disrupt productions in the lead up to the Emmys. The WGA contract expires on May 1st, raising the chances of strikes from screenwriters as well.
If labor disputes boil over into strikes, industry experts believe the Television Academy may postpone the Emmys rather than deal with potential picket lines or limited attendance. This would throw the awards schedule into chaos. The ceremony has only been delayed once before – after 9/11.
Confusion Over Eligibility for Hit Show “The Bear”
There has also already been controversy stemming from the nominations themselves. Hit show “The Bear” on FX received several nods, but questions have emerged over whether both seasons are eligible this year.
The first season aired from June to August 2023, clearly qualifying it for the 2024 Emmys. But the second season does not premiere until April 2024, placing it in the eligibility period for the following year according to The Albany Herald.
| Show | Season 1 Air Date | Season 2 Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Bear | June 23, 2023 | April, 2024 |
However, according to eligibility rules the Academy confirmed with Deadline, if at least six episodes of a season air within the eligibility window it can compete at that year’s Emmys. That means both seasons will battle it out this September.
This has led to criticism that the show has an unfair advantage against rivals only competing with one season. Sitcom “Ted Lasso” also faced similar criticism when its second and third seasons coincided at the 2023 Emmys due to pandemic delays of Season 2.
Lead Acting Races Wide Open
With nominations locked in, experts are debating the most competitive categories. The lead acting awards for comedy are seen as particularly close this year.
“Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson is hoping to go one better after losing the Lead Actress award last year. But Jean Smart is looking to repeat for “Hacks” and Sheryl Lee Ralph could ride her previous Supporting Actress win for “Abbott” to another victory.
Over on the Lead Actor side, Bill Hader (“Barry”) and Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) are favored to battle it out. Former winner Jason Sudeikis hopes to insert himself into the race again with “Ted Lasso”, but his show’s popularity may be waning after dominating the last two years.
Stars Hit the Critics Choice Awards Ahead of Emmys
Awards season is already heating up with the Critics Choice Awards held over the weekend. The event was seen as a preview ahead of the Emmys, with many likely nominees walking the red carpet.
“Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson continued her awards tour in a stunning Elie Saab gown, while co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph dazzled in a butterfly ensemble. Comedy favorites like Jean Smart of “Hacks” and “Bear” actor Jeremy Allen White also made appearances.
According to Lainey Gossip, Brunson joked in interviews that her co-stars were “saving their best looks for the Emmys.” All eyes will be on the red carpet fashion when the television awards air in September.
What Happens Next?
The road to this year’s Emmys is clearly unpredictable. While stars are already preparing their acceptance speeches, behind the scenes unrest may derail Hollywood’s biggest night.
If the strikes eventuate, industry experts have floated alternatives like postponing the ceremony by a few weeks or months until disputes are resolved. This could allow more productions to finish and attendance to rebound. However the delay could also trigger problems with the 2025 awards calendar downstream.
Either way, it promises to be another rollercoaster year for TV’s coveted golden statues. Controversies over which shows should be eligible, predictions for the most competitive races, and collective bargaining talks that could undermine the celebrations are all flashpoints to watch closely in the coming months.
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