Chrissy Teigen made headlines at the 2023 Emmy Awards on Sunday night, but not for the reason she likely hoped. The model and entrepreneur drew attention for sharply criticizing the Emmys red carpet backdrop, which many agreed looked poorly designed and clashed with celebrity looks.
Backlash Over Backdrop Design
As stars walked the Emmys red carpet on September 12th decked out in glamorous gowns and suits, the backdrop behind them became an unlikely focal point. Featuring blocky font and a Mandala-like pattern, the Emmys step-and-repeat design was quickly slammed online as “ugly” and not fit for TV’s biggest night.
Leading the criticism was Chrissy Teigen, who posted on her Instagram story: “I’m sorry but we need to redo the carpet backdrops. My god they look like motel 6 carpets.” She later tweeted pleading to the Television Academy: “can we PLEASE hire someone to design the carpet backdrop I’m begging you.”
Teigen was far from alone in finding fault with the backdrop aesthetics. Emmy viewers and fashion commentators chimed in agreement on social media:
“who designed this red carpet back drop its giving local weather man green screen”
“It looks like the carpet is designed to camouflage people rather than highlight all the finery.”
“It’s GIVING high school dance photo booth from 2004. This ain’t it”
By the next day, headlines declared “Chrissy Teigen Begs Emmys to Replace ‘Ugly’ Carpet” and “Viewers Call Out the ‘Ugly Red Carpet’ Backdrop.” Memes even cropped up with celebrities Photoshopped onto cheap carpet samples and motel room floors.
Clearly the Emmys design team had missed the mark for an event meant to celebrate top talent in television.
What Went Wrong
According to red carpet specialists, the backdrop failed in multiple ways. The dark colors blended together and detracted focus from the stars, while the distracting graphics competed with glamorous dresses.
“It doesn’t highlight anything, there’s nowhere for the eye to land,” commented one carpet expert. “And that brownish, muddy color? Not great for photography.”
| Backdrop Design Pros | Backdrop Design Cons |
|---|---|
| Pops against variety of outfit colors | Too dark and muddy looking |
| Interesting Mandala motif | Motif competes with outfits |
| Text has retro feel | Text font looks cheap |
The stylistic mismatch especially stood out on television, where celebrity styles are meant to capture viewer attention. One fashion writer summed it up: “This dizzying design screams community theater backdrop. For the Emmys red carpet it’s simply unworthy.”
Calls For a Redesign
In response to the widespread criticism, the TV Academy has not yet commented on whether the Emmys carpet graphics will get an overhaul before next awards season.
But if Chrissy Teigen has her way, 2024’s Emmy celebs will stand in front of a more flattering scene.
“I am offering my styling services to redo this carpet,” Teigen tweeted to her followers. The post received over 115k likes, indicating strong agreement.
Teigen even tagged several designer friends to brainstorm ideas, including interior designer Jake Arnold and Project Runway winner Christian Siriano.
Whether official steps will be taken to revamp the look remains uncertain. But the 2023 Emmy carpet controversy shows that when it comes to celebrity glamour, the details matter. Teigen spoke for many fans when she declared that TV’s biggest stars deserve better.
What Happens Next?
Looking ahead, will Teigen’s carpet critiques lead the Academy to solicit help reimagining next year’s backdrop?
Though the TV powers-that-be have yet to respond, celebrity designers like Siriano have already offered assistance. Several graphic artists have even circulated mock-ups of potential redesigns on social media.
If viewer opinions continue pouring in for a refreshed aesthetic, the pressure could mount to take action before September 2024. Teigen and her famous friends would likely jump at the chance to contribute their expertise.
Of course, the Emmys have a long history with controversy, from on-stage gaffes to questionable fashion choices. The 2023 carpet flap joins a dubious list of viral Emmy moments, but hopefully inspires more positive change going forward.
At the very least, we likely haven’t heard the last of this saga. As Chrissy Teigen herself quipped: “Guys please let’s make this carpet I’m hosting next year and going to make sure it’s perfect!” Only time will tell what entertainment headlines the next Emmys red carpet has in store.
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