The Television Academy inducted six figures into its Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, including Sheila Nevins, Ted Danson, Jean Smart, Ted Sarandos, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the late Ed Bradley. Nevins, absent after contracting COVID and pneumonia, used a video acceptance speech to thank Dr Anthony Fauci and praise vaccination, while the evening also highlighted concerns about press freedom.

Nevins said she tested negative on the eighth day of illness and credited the vaccine with helping her recover. She holds a record 31 Emmy wins from her career leading HBO Documentary Films; Bradley’s widow, Patricia Blanchet, accepted his posthumous honour and warned that the future of a free press was at risk, while Bill Hader paid tribute to Parker and Stone with an anecdote.