In a move that should help fill a long-lamented hole in entertainment awards ceremonies, of which there will never be enough, the Television Academy has announced that there will be two different Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies in 2016.
Taking place over two back-to-back nights, the new format will continue to take place the weekend prior to the traditional Primetime Emmy telecast and present above- and below-the-line awards that highlight the work of art directors, costume designers, cinematographers, sound editors and others.
“One of our primary missions as an Academy is to recognize creative excellence, both in front of and behind the cameras,” Academy chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum said Tuesday in a statement. “Our Academy has a legacy of adjusting and expanding our awards to reflect the changing nature of our members’ Emmy-worthy work. The industry is growing, and we now have more than enough wonderful creativity to enjoy a second Creative Arts show where we can celebrate the excellence and achievement of this year’s work.”
To be fair, the Creative Arts ceremony has grown to be one of the longest in Hollywood — stretching well past the three-hour mark. The big thrall, at least from the media point of view, has been the four guest acting awards handed out during the show — which does not air live. The same audience won’t be expected to attend both, with the shows splitting into two broad category groups and having their own Creative Arts Balls.
The dates for this year’s Primetime Emmys and each of the Creative Arts ceremonies have yet to be announced. Bob Bain will return to produce the latter.
