2020 Emmys: What could a virtual show look like?

The 2020 Emmys are officially going virtual, which most of us expected. But what could this year’s award show look like?

With the Emmy nominations being announced last week, it was only a matter of time before the powers that be addressed the elephant in the room: the global pandemic that’s been forcing every major event since March to go virtual. And to no one’s surprise, Jimmy Kimmel and the other executive producers of the awards show revealed that it, too, will be virtual this year — a big change of pace from what viewers are used to.

In a letter to nominees, obtained by Variety, Kimmel and the others wrote:

"“As you’ve probably guessed, we’re not going to be asking you to come to the Microsoft Theatre in downtown LA on September 20th. This year, it’s still going to be TV industry’s biggest night out… but we’ll come to you!”"

From the sound of things, the Television Academy still wants this event to be one of the biggest of the year. And the letter went on to assure nominees that the highest-quality technology would be used so that everyone is able to partake in the festivities. But no matter how much effort they put into the technical side of things, the Emmys is going to be very different this year.

For one, we can assume there won’t be a red carpet event prior to the ceremony. It’s difficult to imagine how that would work via Zoom, or any other video program. And with that in mind, the attire for nominees and attendees is bound to be different. According to US Weekly, the event planners are pushing for a “come as you are, but make an effort” attitude — whatever that means.

So, sure, pajamas may be off the table, but will stylists actually be putting in the effort to dress nominees and do their hair and makeup? Is it even safe to do so?

The interviews that normally take place on the red carpet may also get the axe — either that, or individual news outlets may be left to do their own thing, which could leave viewers with choices to make when it comes to what they want to watch.

Then there’s the show itself. Celebrities have been gathering on Zoom for almost the entirety of the pandemic, so this portion of the show will probably be the easiest to replicate in a virtual format. Speeches, announcements, and television clips can be worked into the Emmys without much issue, especially if the Academy is already working to ensure the technology side of things is on par with what they’re looking for.

The other part of the awards ceremony that may be difficult to bring to life virtually is the performances. Nearly every show features some sort of musical number or comedy skit — and while music isn’t necessarily the point of the Emmys, it does add some flare to an otherwise long and repetitive ceremony.

Musicians have done a number of virtual concerts since the pandemic began, so that’s probably what they’ll do for the Emmys. Thankfully, it’ll still break things up, but it’s not likely to be anywhere near as exciting as seeing performers get onstage and show off their costumes and dance numbers.

We’ll have to take what we can get, though. After all, it’s lucky we’re able to still have awards shows like the Emmys in the midst of everything going on. And even if it’s not the most exciting ceremony to take place, at least it’ll give us some semblance of normalcy. We could use it.

What do you think a virtual Emmys ceremony will look like? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!