The US Television Academy has voted to remove five categories from the primetime Emmy telecast, airing on NBC on 14 September, as part of an effort to leave more room for entertainment segments during the show. The Board of Governors decided on 17 July 2026 to shift writing for a variety series, supporting actor and actress in a limited/anthology series or movie, and directing and writing for a limited series/anthology or movie to the earlier ceremonies held on 5 and 6 September instead.

The change cuts the number of awards handed out during the main broadcast to 19, down from 26 last year, which the Academy says will free up time for musical performances, comedy bits and spontaneous speeches. Academy chair Cris Abrego said the categories were chosen to spread the impact evenly across acting, writing and directing rather than singling out one discipline, and acknowledged some guild members would be unhappy. The Directors Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America swiftly issued a joint statement criticising the move, saying it devalues the artists central to the categories affected.