The Television Academy has announced several rule changes for the 2024 Primetime Emmys, with a focus on the short form programming categories. One major change is the elimination of the short form animated program field. Instead, it has been combined with the animated program category, creating two separate tracks for short form programs and longer programming. This decision comes as a response to a decline in submissions over the past five years.
In addition, the short form performer categories have been combined, with the actor and actress in a short form comedy or drama series now competing in a single category for outstanding performer in a short form comedy or drama series. The aim is to streamline the awards and adapt to the evolving landscape of television content.
Furthermore, the TV Academy has clarified the guidelines for guest performer submissions. The new rule specifies that cameos will not be allowed, and guest performers must have a minimum stand-alone and contiguous-screen time of 5% of the total running time of the submitted episode. This change aims to ensure that guest performers play a significant role in the episode being submitted.
The rule changes also extend to other categories. For instance, “Line Producer” has been added as an Emmy-eligible credit on certain nonfiction programs, and “Head of Workroom” has been included as an Emmy-eligible title for costume design, with eligibility determined by the designer and verification based on specific criteria.
There will be another adjustments
Additionally, there have been adjustments to the hairstyling and makeup categories for variety, nonfiction, or reality programs. These categories, previously juried awards, will now have panels to prescreen submissions for nominations, with the full peer group voting in the final round to determine the Emmy Award recipients.
Submissions for the 76th Emmy Awards are set to open on Thursday, Feb. 29, with the eligibility period for entries running from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. The calendar includes important deadlines for submissions, voting, and announcements leading up to the awards ceremony.
These rule changes reflect the Television Academy’s efforts to adapt to industry trends and ensure that the Emmy Awards remain relevant in recognizing excellence in television programming. With these adjustments, the Academy aims to maintain the prestige of the Emmys while accommodating the evolving landscape of television content.