Game Shows Shift to Primetime Emmys as the Two TV Academies Continue Their Awards Realignment

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThis year, just two basic cable series made it into the outstanding series field: AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” in drama, and FX’s “What We Do In the Shadows” in comedy. It’s a far cry from the golden age of basic cable at the Emmys, when the drama field, in particular, was dominated by the platform. The streak began in 2002, when FX made history by becoming the first basic cable network to win one of the major Emmy awards — when Michael Chiklis was named best actor for “The Shield.” By 2008, basic cable was on the same path first forged by HBO when it leveled the playing field for premium cable a decade earlier.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“Better Call Saul” ended Monday night with an ending very different than the way that “Breaking Bad” concluded. No shootout, just Jimmy McGill behind bars. But as Jimmy and ex-wife Kim Wexler reconnect, in many ways it’s also a much more hopeful conclusion.

Kristin Chenoweth's appearance on "Celebrity Family Feud" made headlines after she gave a racy answer that shocked everyone, even host Steve Harvey. Chenoweth, 54, appeared on Sunday night's episode where she buzzed in first for the question, "After the lips, what is your favorite part of a man to kiss?" "It rhymes with heinous," Chenoweth responded, although the ABC game show bleeped out the word.  "I'm sorry," the actress immediately said.

Earlier today the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences not only sent out their latest edition of their digital newsletter, A. Frame to their entire 10,000+ strong membership, they also alerted press and made it available to them as well just an hour later. The reason for all this? An “Exclusive” interview with new CEO Bill Kramer who last month replaced previous CEO Dawn Hudson.

Gina Rodriguez's husband is ready to bring his martial arts skills to the delivery room. The actress tells ET that she and her MMA fighter husband,  Joe LoCicero, are educating themselves on the realities of childbirth as they prepare to welcome their first baby. «I'm taking some hardcore prenatal classes, working on that pelvic floor,» Rodriguez, who is currently pregnant, tells ET's Lauren Zima, noting that they have also been watching videos of live births in preparation.

Tony winner’s answer — a reference to one’s posterior — was bleeped.Harvey, 65, looked stunned and had to turn away from her in order to collect his thoughts before moving on.However, Chenoweth’s opponent, actress Kathy Najimy, couldn’t help but laugh.“I’m sorry. I’m a good Christian girl.

Clayton Davis When Marlon Brando was named best actor for his performance as Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s best picture winner “The Godfather” (1972), a 26-year-old Sacheen Littlefeather (Apache/Yaqui/AZ) took the stage to decline the prize on behalf of the actor. She was lambasted with an avalanche of boos from the audience, racist gestures such as “tomahawk chops” and threatened with violence offstage.Fifty years later, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is apologizing for the treatment she received that evening, in addition to holding a special program and conversation titled “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather” on Sept.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday that it has formally apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather over the actress’ famed appearance at the 1973 Oscars, where she appeared on Marlon Brando’s behalf to decline his Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Godfather.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is making amends.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media will be honored with this year’s Governors Award at the Emmys, the Television Academy announced on Monday. The institute, which was founded by Oscar-winning actor Geena Davis in 2004, will be recognized for its work in promoting gender balance and fostering inclusion in the entertainment industry.First awarded in 1978, the Governors Award “honors an individual, company or organization that has made a profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television,” according to the Television Academy.

Holly Jones Screenwriter and director Ignacio Pavez and the team at Chile’s Gallo Negro Producciones (“Intiwawa”)  are readying to produce Pavez’s next feature, “Un Amputado” (“An Amputee”).Creative director at Gallo Negro, Pavez bows his second feature, “Vieja Viejo,” at Sanfic 18, the Santiago International Film Festival, which runs through Aug. 21 as a hybrid event.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeHBO’s “The White Lotus” and Apple TV+’s “Severance” led the HCA TV Awards’ two-night ceremony, winning five awards each in the broadcast/cable and streaming awards, respectively.“The White Lotus” won for best writing in a broadcast or cable limited, anthology series or movie; best directing in a broadcast or cable limited, anthology series or movie; best supporting actor in a broadcast or cable limited, anthology series or movie; best supporting actress in a broadcast or cable limited, anthology series or movie; and best broadcast network or cable limited or anthology series. “Severance” landed awards for best streaming series, drama; best writing in a streaming series, drama; best supporting actor in a streaming series, drama; best directing in a streaming series, drama; and best actress in a streaming series, drama.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeNow, Garner has doubled her Emmy nominations tally to four, picking up another supporting actress nod for the final season of “Ozark” and also landing one for her “Inventing Anna” role, as lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie.Given her “Ozark” success, that nomination wasn’t a shock. But the success of “Inventing Anna” at the Emmys — including in the key limited or anthology series category — was a bit of a surprise, especially given the expectation that another Netflix series, “Maid,” would make the cut.

Michelle Yeoh is now a doctor!

The Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced $90K in scholarships to seven college-bound high school students pursuing careers in television. 

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeJazz Tangcay writes:Although the Creative Arts Emmys aren’t set to be handed out until Sept. 3 and Sept.

Lisa Kudrow is speaking out about the lack of diversity on Friends — and her take on the sitch could definitely ruffle some feathers!

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“They asked, and it’s an honor,” Thompson told me Thursday on a sweltering August afternoon in Hollywood, where he was receiving his star on the Walk of Fame. “It’s a giant career milestone to host an Emmys, an Oscars, a Tonys, whatever.

BreAnna Bell The Creative Coalition has announced its impressive crop of high profile honorees for this year’s eighth annual Television Humanitarian Awards Gala.The list includes James Cromwell (“Succession”), Colman Domingo (“Euphoria”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”); and Samantha Hanratty (“Yellowjackets”), along with Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”), and Paul Scheer (“Black Monday”).The Television Humanitarian Awards Gala, which takes place during Emmy week, highlights prominent figures in the television industry, as well as 2022 Emmy Award nominees who use the power of their celebrity for social good.“Grey’s Anatomy” co-executive producer and writer Jamie Denbo has also been named the recipient of the Your Voice Carries Weight Award – which honors a television leader for their advocacy work in obesity awareness – for the episode, “Living in a House Divided.” Variety’s Marc Malkin will host this year’s ceremony which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.“The incredibly talented individuals we are honoring at the TV Humanitarian Awards exemplify Hollywood at its best – dynamic stars who use their voices to make the world a better place,” said The Creative Coalition President and actor Tim Daly. The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk added, “We have a long history of honoring entertainment industry leaders for their good work and these days it’s more important than ever to use the platforms of the arts for positive change.”All proceeds from the special charity event benefit The Creative Coalition’s year-round work to protect and advance the arts.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeOn “Only Murders in the Building,” Steve Martin plays Charles-Haden Savage, the former star of popular crime drama “Brazzos.” The inspiration for playing a washed-up TV star, Martin tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, “comes from worry. I think about actors who’ve had these hits, they’re on TV for eight years. And then they don’t really work that much again, because they’re maybe too identified with the part.

Clayton Davis Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.

The Television Academy announced today the Emmy winners in juried categories from Animation, Costume, Hairstyling, Makeup and Motion Design. The awards will be presented at the 2022 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, which take place at the Microsoft Theater on Sept. 3 and 4.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorAlthough the Creative Arts Emmys aren’t set to be handed out until Sept. 3 and Sept.

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation“Arcane” • The Boy Savior • Netflix • A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for NetflixAnne-Laure To, Color Script Artist“Arcane” • Happy Progress Day! • Netflix • A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for NetflixJulien Georgel, Art Direction“Arcane” • When These Walls Come Tumbling Down • Netflix • A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for NetflixBruno Couchinho, Background Designer“The Boys Presents: Diabolical” • Boyd In 3D • Prime Video • Amazon Studios, Sony Pictures Television Studios, Titmouse, Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey PicturesLexy Naut, Storyboard Artist“The House” • Netflix • Nexus Studios for NetflixKecy Salangad, Animator“Love, Death + Robots” • Jibaro • Netflix • Blur Studio for NetflixAlberto Mielgo, Character DesignerOutstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming“We’re Here” • Evansville, Indiana • HBO/HBO Max • HBO in association with House of Opus 20 and IPCCasey Caldwell, Costume Designer; Diego Montoya, Costume Designer; Joshua “Domino” Schwartz, Costume Designer; Marco Marco, Costume Designer; Patryq Howell, Costume DesignerOutstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program“Annie Live!” • NBC • Chloe Productions, The Green Room, Zadan/Meron Productions, Sony Pictures TelevisionMia Neal, Department Head Hairstylist; Leah Loukas, Assistant Department Head HairstylistOutstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program“Legendary” • “Whorror House”• HBO/HBO Max • HBO Max in association with Scout ProductionsTonia Green, Department Head Makeup Artist; Tyson Fountaine, Key Makeup Artist; Sean Conklin, Makeup Artist; Marcel Banks, Makeup Artist; Jennifer Fregozo, Makeup Artist; Silvia Leczel,

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeAMC Networks has renewed the Emmy-nominated short-form series “Cooper’s Bar” for a second season, while Acorn TV — AMC Networks’ streamer devoted to British and international fare — has given a Season 2 renewal to “Harry Wild,” starring and executive produced by Jane Seymour.Both pickups were announced Wednesday during AMC Networks’ portion of the Television Critics Assn. press tour.

Game shows are going primetime. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences have agreed to move the game show categories under the Television Academy beginning in 2023.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorHollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. He was 89.Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell’s death via Facebook, writing, “You will be greatly missed Gene, I love you my friend, till we meet again!”LeBell started catch wrestling when he was 7, under the guidance of American wrestler Ed “The Strangler” Lewis.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe recent, tremendously disappointing news that “Desus & Mero” and “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” — two of the few late-night shows not hosted by middle-aged white dudes — have officially ended, further shrinks next year’s Emmy submission pool. Technically, “Full Frontal” can compete for next year’s trophies due to the fact four episodes aired in June, but the odds are probably not in her favor: “Conan” did not receive voter recognition for his final month of episodes airing during a similar period a year ago.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeComedian, writer and actor Larry Wilmore has been tapped to host the 46th Annual Humanitas Prizes, which return as an in-person event on September 9, 2022 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Wilmore is a previous Humanitas winner, having served as creator, writer and exec producer of “The Bernie Mac Show,” which won two of the prizes (along with an Emmy and a Peabody over five seasons).

Gallery: The 5 summer jacket styles every woman needs in her wardrobe (Good Housekeeping UK)Zoey went on to name the fuchsia Alexander McQueen gown that she sported to the 2022 Critics' Choice Awards as her favourite look. "I just feel so confident and so good in McQueen," the 27-year-old gushed.

Issey Miyake has died.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeIt came down to the wire — the Emmys are next month, after all — but NBC and the Television Academy have finally found a host for this year’s ceremony: “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson.Thompson, the longest-running cast member in “SNL” history, was named after a lengthy search by NBC, the Academy and Emmys producers Done+Dusted and Reggie Hudlin to find an A-list name that might shake things up. It turns out, the A-lister was in their own backyard.

In the mid-1970s Andy Warhol began keeping a diary–of sorts. It started out as a dry accounting of expenses–a tube of paint here, a quart of milk there—dictated to his collaborator Pat Hackett. But over time the entries shifted from the strictly mundane to something deeper and more personal.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorHollywood newcomer Amber Midthunder stunned at Tuesday’s Los Angeles premiere of Hulu’s “Prey.”“This is from the Sky-Eagle Collection,” she told me about her dress on the arrivals carpet at the Village Regency Theatre in Westwood. “Throughout this whole press tour, it’s been very important to me to incorporate always having an Indigenous designer or jewelry or something like that. So every look that I’ve had, there’s been something Indigenous.”“Prey,” the fifth film in the “Predator” franchise, takes place in the Comanche Nation in 1717.

ABC’s breakout new comedy series Abbott Elementary is carrying the flag for broadcast television at the 2022 Emmy Awards as the only network show to land a nomination in the Outstanding Comedy or Drama Series categories. While many creators gravitate toward streaming these days, Abbott Elementary creator/executive producer Quinta Brunson is happy to be doing her show for broadcast.