Why the Television Academy Cut 6 Categories From Telecast

Perhaps the 2026 Emmy Awards won’t run over its allotted time.

After all, the Television Academy announced earlier this year that the live broadcast on Sept. 14 will only feature 19 televised categories—down from 25 last year—because of the award show’s time restraints.

“Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast,” the Academy shared in a July press release. “This thoughtful evolution ensures this year’s NBC ceremony and future broadcasts remain deeply engaging and tailored to the television audience.”

Instead of airing during the live show—hosted by Mariska Hargitay on NBC—the Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies held last week on Sept. 5 and 6 handed out trophies for Writing for a Variety Series, Supporting Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Directing for a Limited Series or Movie and Writing for a Limited Series or Movie.