The Emmys, an award ceremony that honors the best in U.S. prime time television programming, is usually bustling with energy and celebrities. However, the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards was not hosted under typical circumstances due to the ongoing pandemic. On Sept. 20, American television host Jimmy Kimmel delivered his monologue to an empty auditorium. Crowd reactions from previous award shows and fake cheering were all edited in to make the monologue look as normal as possible. Despite these abnormal circumstances, there were some great highlights for television programs and their cast.  

The Emmys are a significant event for actors, actresses, and celebrities. Major categories of the Emmys include programs, acting, directing, and writing. Those categories are further split into different genres, including comedy, drama, limited series and more.  

“Schitt’s Creek” swept the comedy bracket, taking seven wins: lead actress, lead actor, supporting actor, supporting actress, writing, directing, and comedy series. The television show follows a family of four who goes from riches to rags, moving to the small town of Schitt’s Creek and navigating their new life. It has gained immense popularity after being featured on Netflix.  

“The show made me laugh and smile,” senior Lucia Llano said. “All the humor just seemed natural, and it always put me in a good mood.” 

Additional highlights include Zendaya winning lead actress for “Euphoria.” At only 24 years old, she has made history by becoming the youngest winner of the lead actress in a drama series award. Regina King also won an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actress for “Watchmen,” a superhero drama that deals with racist violence. With the win, Regina King has is tied for the most acting Emmys won by a black performer. She competed against notable actresses such as Shira Haas from “Unorthodox” and Kerry Washington from “Little Fires Everywhere.” 

“I’m glad ‘Watchmen’ got the recognition it did,” Visual Media Analysis teacher Mr. Vergara said.  “It’s a thought-provoking, well-acted show with relevant themes including racial and gender discrimination, power struggles, and self-identity that is timely and emotionally resonant.” 

Though the award recipients had their opportunities to shine, the fashion aspect of the show took a lesser role. In normal years, fashion on the red carpet has always a huge aspect of the event; celebrities normally show off their looks in gowns, printed outfits, and glamorous makeup. This year, the dress code was “come as you are, but make an effort!” A great variety of outfits ensued, from Tracee Ellis Ross’s ruffled gold dress to Jameela Jamil’s white pajamas with a sequin dressing gown. Instead of the red carpet, celebrities showcased their outfits on social media. 

Although the Emmys this year was dramatically different from previous years, with breaks from tradition in fashion and in the delivery of the awards, they still recognized the outstanding performers who created great pieces of entertainment. This year’s awards ceremony was a memorable one, even if it was digital.