From the Chair: Reflecting on the 76th Emmys

As we close the curtain on the 76th Emmy Awards, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on an exceptional celebration of television. The Creative Arts ceremonies were as high-spirited as ever, and the September 15 telecast on ABC, executive produced by the terrific team at Jesse Collins Entertainment, was a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration. Our wonderful hosts, Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, brought charm, humor and heart to the stage, helping to make it a night to remember.

The telecast struck a winning balance of celebrating the past while remaining grounded in the present and looking to the future. With salutes to TV archetypes and iconic shows, it honored the rich tradition of excellence in television, yet the night was also groundbreaking in many ways, especially in its reflection of the evolving diversity of our industry. The diversity of the winners, nominees and honorees was a powerful reminder of how far television has come in representing different voices, stories and perspectives.

As the last award of the evening was presented to Hacks for Outstanding Comedy Series, the Emmys had set new records and celebrated a series of firsts in a year that had already made headlines — Eugene and Dan became the first father-son hosts; Liza Colón-Zayas became the first Latina to win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; and Shōgun and The Bear set new records for most Emmys by a drama series and comedy series in a single year with 18 and 11, respectively. And on a personal (and certainly less interesting) note, the Emmys also marked a milestone for me — my first year presiding over this extraordinary organization as chair.

John Leguizamo's remarks on representation resonated deeply with many of us, underscoring the importance of continuing to push for inclusivity across the industry. And Greg Berlanti's moving speech upon receiving the Governors Award was another highlight. Berlanti's dedication to elevating LGBTQ+ voices in storytelling is an inspiring example of how our creative community can drive social progress through the stories we tell. These moments captured the spirit of the evening.

From my seat, I witnessed the remarkable work required to produce the Emmy Awards. Mounting a major awards ceremony calls for not just talent and skill, but also endurance, grit and, above all, partnership. From the creative minds who crafted the shows, to the incredible teams from ABC, the Academy and the production company who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, everyone involved displayed these qualities in abundance. It was enormously gratifying to learn that viewership for the 76th Emmys was the highest in three years and that ratings increased by 54% over the 75th ceremony. This jump reflects the power of television and the continued engagement of viewers who love our medium.

To everyone involved, I thank you. And to all the winners and nominees, congratulations. May you carry this moment of recognition with you as you continue to create and contribute to our culture.