2020 Emmys make history

Photo Courtesy of CR Fashion Book

Since March, just about every major event has been canceled. The Summer Olympics, the NBA season and a multitude of TV shows have either pushed back their release or have been unable to film due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, on Sunday, Sept. 20, the Emmy Awards was one of the few events that created a socially distant version of itself, while maintaining the fun and excitement of an awards show. 

“This is not gonna be the same. This is definitely different,” said Emmy host Jimmy Kimmel in an interview with Red Carpet Live before the ceremony on Sunday night.

Indeed, the show was different from shows in the past, not only due to the social distancing practices but also because of all the records broken and history made this year. 

This year included the most nominations for Black actors. The night also beat the record for the most Black actors to win Emmy awards in one night. Half of the awards presented that evening were awarded to Black nominees. Anthony Anderson, nominated that evening, gave a speech about how this year’s Emmys was “supposed to be the Blackest Emmys ever.” Anderson went on to say “but, because of COVID, we can’t even get in the ... building.” 

Zendaya became the youngest-ever winner in the category Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her role as Rue in “Euphoria.” She also became the second Black woman to ever win in this category. 

“I just want to say there is hope in the young people out there. I know our TV show doesn’t always feel like a great example of that ... I just want to say to all my peers out there doing the work in the streets, I see you, I admire you, I thank you,” Zendaya said during her acceptance speech.

“Schitt’s Creek” swept the comedy category, and won the most Emmys for a comedy series ever. The series was nominated for 15 awards and won nine throughout the night. Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy shared a father-son moment after winning in succession for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, respectively. 

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the show also had elements reminiscent of past Emmy Award shows, while making note of current issues and topics nationally. 

The show was complete with theatrics about being overly precautious when it comes to the coronavirus. Jimmy Kimmel lit the first award envelope on fire to “burn off the germs.” Jason Sudeikis received what appeared to be an impromptu COVID-19 test while live on camera. 

Essential workers were given moments in the spotlight throughout the evening. UPS delivery people and nurses alike spoke about the importance of being kind and wearing a mask.

Prerecorded pieces of advice and interviews from women of color in the entertainment industry were also played throughout the event. Lena Waithe talked about her love for telling stories and emphasized the importance of intersectionality in stories and storytelling. Issa Rae discussed how her first story pitch went, and how stereotypes about what “Black people want to see” affected how it was received by an executive producer. America Ferrera spoke about how she was advised to sound “more Latina” in an audition, to which she responded, “I am Latina and this is what I sound like.”

Despite COVID-19-related restrictions, the Emmy Awards adapted to the external environment and attempted to maintain the same fun-loving and entertaining atmosphere that has characterized the Emmys of years past.