(Kennedy Felton)
Some changes are being made to TV’s biggest night that will affect who takes home that golden statuette.
The first change we’ll see at this year’s Emmy Awards is a major change in the way guest actors are considered for the Emmys. Under the new rules, performers who have previously been nominated or won in the lead or supporting categories will no longer be able to apply as guest stars for the same character in the same series.
This could create opportunities for actors to make truly one-off or infrequent appearances. for example?
Ron Cephas Jones played William Hill on NBC’s “This Is Us.” He won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series twice for the same role in 2018 and 2020. However, under the new rules, he will be ineligible to compete in subsequent seasons, paving the way for more first-time guest stars.
Starting next year, another big change will affect how you perceive the music that sets the mood for your favorite shows. To qualify for the new category “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music,” a show’s theme must appear in at least half of the eligible episodes submitted.
The main title theme may not appear in the episode for various reasons. In special episodes and finales, the show may skip the main title sequence to create a unique atmosphere or jump right into the action. Another reason could be that the cold open is an episode that connects directly to the story.
And finally, good news for directors. Also, starting with the 2026 Emmy Awards, directors will be able to submit multiple entries per category, as long as the entries come from different shows.
The Emmy Awards are evolving, aiming to keep the awards fresh and fair, setting the stage for a more dynamic awards season.
