The 2020 Emmy Awards Will Be A Virtual Ceremony, And Here's What They're Planning

The 2020 Emmy nominees have been announced, with Watchmen emerging as the frontrunner and Netflix chalking up the most nominations, but 2020 is not an ordinary year, and the ceremony will not be ordinary either. With much of the US still in lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Emmy ceremony will be a digital event, with no big gathering.

Variety has gotten hold of a letter sent out to the acting nominees, and it details how the digital ceremony will happen this year. The letter, which is co-signed by host Jimmy Kimmel and several producers, outlines what is expected from nominees on the night, and how they'll be working to ensure that the September 20 ceremony is still worthwhile.

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

The producers behind this year's ceremony are "assembling a top notch team of technicians, producers, and writers" to ensure that nominees can be filmed accepting their awards, and that they look the part. "We’re going to make you look fabulous--we’re exploring the cutting edge of technology to allow to use good cameras and lighting and look forward to working with you to produce your unique 'on screen' moments," he says.

There will be no enforced dress theme for this ceremony, so expect at least one winner in sweatpants. "If you want to be in formal wear, we’d love that, but equally if you’re in the UK and it’s 3 AM, perhaps you want to be in designer pajamas and record from your bed," the letter reads.

Back in February, the Oscars were held live, and Bong Joon-ho's Parasite made history--and helped make the ceremony one of the best ever--by winning big. We might not get another ceremony like that for a while, so let's take a moment to rewatch Joon-ho's extraordinarily moving acceptance speech when he won Best Director.