Emmys, not surprisingly, abandon in-person gathering for virtual ceremony due to pandemic

The Emmys are going virtual.

After nominations were announced Tuesday for the Sept. 20 ceremony that will air on ABC, producers and host Jimmy Kimmel sent a letter to nominees saying the show will be presented remotely this year, forsaking the traditional in-person red carpet and awards presentation at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. Variety first revealed the contents of the letter on Wednesday.

USA TODAY obtained a copy of the letter and verified its contents.

A virtual ceremony, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, also means a relaxation of black-tie requirements, as the letter states: "Our informal theme for the night is 'come as you are,' but make an effort!”

There already had been much speculation that the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony might go virtual, considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in cases in Los Angeles and around the country. The letter, signed by ABC late-night host Kimmel and producers, promises "the most memorable Emmys" and alludes to the coronavirus situation, without referencing it by name.

"As you’ve probably guessed, we’re not going to be asking you to come to the Microsoft Theatre in downtown LA on September 20th. This year, it’s still going to be TV industry’s biggest night out … but we’ll come to you!" the letter states. "It’s still television’s highest honor, and we never want to lose the significance of being nominated for, and maybe winning, an Emmy, but we’re going to do in a way that is appropriate to the moment (and guarantees you a memorable night)."

The letter says producers can't ignore the current circumstances and "we also acknowledge that our world is going through a challenging moment in many ways."

It does not offer details for the virtual show, but promises "an event that is filled with warmth and humanity, which celebrates the power of television to bring us together and to help us shape our world." The plan is for the show to be live.

It promises the nominees that they will be filmed at their homes or locations of their choice. "We’re going to make you look fabulous – we’re exploring the cutting edge of technology to allow to use good cameras and lighting and look forward to working with you to produce your unique 'on screen' moments."

One reason for lifting the formal-dress rules is consideration for nominees in time zones where the show will air in the middle of the night. "If you want to be in formal wear, we’d love that, but equally if you’re in the UK and it’s 3 a.m., perhaps you want to be in designer pajamas and record from your bed!"

ABC and the Television Academy issued a statement concerning the message to nominees and the ceremony: "As ABC and the Television Academy continue to formulate plans for the Emmys telecast, producers have taken the proactive step of reaching out to some nominees now to inform them of our intent to deliver a live show that is both celebratory and safe. We look forward to sharing information with you in the weeks ahead, as we solidify our plans for TV’s biggest night."