Citing growing concerns over the Delta variant and the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County, the Emmys will now require all attendees to provide a recent negative COVID-19 test, plus show proof of full vaccination.
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Aug. 19, saying this new requirement will also apply to the 2021 Creative Arts Emmys, where most of the awards are handed out before the Primetime Emmys telecast.
Related Story: Debbie Allen to Receive Governors Award at 2021 Emmys
For admission into the awards celebrations, guests must test negative for coronavirus within these timeframes:
- For attendees to the Saturday, Sept. 11, Creative Arts ceremony: On or after Thursday, Sept. 9.
- For attendees to either of the Sunday, Sept. 12, Creative Arts ceremonies: On or after Friday, Sept. 10.
- For attendees to the Sunday, Sept. 19, CBS telecast: On or after Friday, Sept. 17.
As previously reported, both events are being scaled back as new coronavirus cases continue to rise.
The Sept. 19 Emmys ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at the Microsoft Theater in downtown L.A, but the show will instead be held outside at the Event Deck at L.A. Live — directly behind the Microsoft Theater — following discussions with local health experts.
It has not been announced whether or not guests will be required to wear masks, but current public health guidelines in Los Angeles county require the use of facemasks while inside public settings, venues, gatherings, as well as outdoor “Mega Events” with more than 10,000 people. With the Emmys being held outside, it’s unclear if the mask mandate will apply.
Related Story: Cedric the Entertainer Set to Host 2021 Emmys
Last year of course, most major award shows were held virtually or canceled outright.
So far, 2021 has seen the return of both the Grammys and the Academy Awards, but those events and others like them have been held in limited capacities and looked quite a bit different than in previous years.
As concerns about the Delta variant rise all across the United States, not just in L.A. County, award shows like the Emmys — once scheduled with the expectation that the COVID-19 pandemic would be under control by now — must, once again, adapt and change their plans on a week-to-week or sometimes day-to-day basis.
The Primetime Emmys will air live on Sept. 19 from 8:00-11:00 PM EDT/5:00-8:00 PM on CBS.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
