Home / Arts and Entertainment / Emmys 2026: Major Rule Changes Shake Up Nominations
Emmys 2026: Major Rule Changes Shake Up Nominations
8 Jul
Summary
- Talk and scripted variety merged into one outstanding variety series.
- New 'area' award rules allow for multiple winners in a category.
- The TV movie category is now officially known as outstanding movie.
The 78th Emmy Awards are ushering in significant rule changes, impacting how nominations are presented and awards are given. Notably, talk and scripted variety series have been unified into one 'outstanding variety series' category. This new category operates under an 'area' award system, allowing multiple nominees to win if they achieve a 90% voter approval.
The television movie category has been renamed 'outstanding movie' as part of the reforms. Additionally, the Television Academy has introduced guidelines for AI, modified categories for short form, sound mixing, and music, and expanded eligibility for casting, costume, and camera arts. These changes come as 555 programs were submitted across 14 categories.
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the Emmys live from L.A. Live's Peacock Theatre on Monday, September 14. Mariska Hargitay will host, marking the first woman to host in 15 years. The eligibility period for the 78th Emmy Awards ran from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.
