The US Television Academy has announced that the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be split across three nights, with 102 of 121 total categories handed out at pre-telecast ceremonies the weekend before the main broadcast. Five categories have been shifted from the primetime telecast to the pre-show this year, including writing for a variety series, supporting acting awards for a limited series or movie, and directing and writing for a limited series or movie, continuing a trend of trimming the televised ceremony to fewer, higher-profile awards.

The pre-telecast awards will take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, covering categories such as the seven music awards and the two variety special prizes (live and pre-recorded), whose nominees include Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, the Grammys and the Oscars for live specials, and titles from Taylor Swift, Netflix and Disney+ in the pre-recorded category. The main telecast, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, airs live on NBC and Peacock on Monday 14 September at 8pm ET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, featuring just 19 of the marquee categories.