Creative Arts Emmys Begin: Non-Televised Honors Awarded

The first of two Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies commenced on September 5, 2026, to present awards in variety, reality, and nonfiction categories. This event marks the initial phase of the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, which are being divided into three separate presentations. The second Creative Arts ceremony is scheduled for September 6, focusing on below-the-line categories for dramas, comedies, and limited series. The main televised Primetime Emmy Awards telecast will air on Monday evening, September 14, 2026, covering the remaining 19 categories.

This year's division of categories has generated controversy, as several significant awards, including writing and directing for variety shows and specific honors for limited series, were moved from the main telecast to the non-televised Creative Arts ceremonies. The Directors Guild of America (DGA), Writers Guild of America (WGA), and SAG-AFTRA jointly stated that this decision diminishes the recognition of talented individuals.