The Television Academy has sparked backlash after voting to remove five award categories from the main Emmys telecast on 14 September, shifting them instead to the first ceremony weekend on 6 September, previously known as the Creative Arts Emmys. The move effectively merges what was a two-tier awards structure into a more consolidated format, but has drawn strong criticism from streamers, networks and industry figures who argue it creates significant logistical problems for nominees and studios alike.

The affected categories include 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. Around nine additional nominees—including Jason Bateman, Charles Melton, Dakota Fanning, David Harbour and Nick Offerman—will now need to attend the earlier ceremony to potentially collect trophies, on top of those already committed to both weekends, such as Martin Short and Conan O'Brien. Critics note the change eats into the Labor Day weekend for many attendees and clashes with the Venice and Telluride film festivals, with the Toronto International Film Festival also under way by the time of the main telecast on 14 September.