We’re not sure exactly why the Television Academy thought it was necessary to refresh everyone’s memory about its new rule regarding streaming and television eligibility for the Emmys announced this past March. Perhaps they just wanted to remind submitting networks or clear the air following the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recent temporary rule change due to the coronavirus pandemic. And yet, here we are.
In a statement, the Television Academy noted:
“The Television Academy supports the recent decision from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to allow feature films, originally intended for theatrical distribution but made available via streaming or video on demand during the current pandemic crisis, to compete at the 2021 Oscars. Further, the Television Academy ruled in March that effective in 2021, programs that have been nominated for an Oscar will no longer be eligible for the Emmys competition.”
The rule change was a long-overdue decision on the Television Academy’s part to ensure that films don’t double-dip into both the Emmy and Oscar award pools. This was a major issue on the documentary side where Oscar-nominated docs such as “Gasland,” “Citizenfour,” “Cartel Land,” “Free Solo,” “13th,” “Icarus,” and “What Happened, Miss Simone?,” among others, were snagging key noms in documentary categories. With the Oscars making a temporary rule change making films released on streaming or VOD eligible until theaters reopen (assuming they can prove they were intending a theatrical release) the Television Academy is making it clear filmmakers need to choose one or the other during this unprecedented time.
It’s unclear which films intended for theatrical release would try to qualify for Emmy consideration. Perhaps a few inquired and the Television Academy wanted to suggest that even though the rule is not in effect until 2021 it wasn’t thrilled with anyone taking advantage of the temporary Oscar rules during the current Emmy season.
The current Emmy calendar finds the submission deadline on June 2. “Hanging” episodes of a series must be released no later than June 30. Nomination voting will occur between July 2 and July 13.
The 2020 Primetime Emmy Award nominations will be announced on July 23.