2024 Emmy nominations ballot: See the 26 Best Live Variety Special hopefuls from ‘The ACM Awards’ to ‘Wu-Tang Clan & Nas: NY State of Mind Tour’
The Best Live Variety Special Emmy category has existed in its current form since 2018, although programs of that type have consistently earned TV academy recognition since the 1970s. This year, there are 26 such options for TV academy members to choose from on their first-round ballots, which means five nominees will be announced on July 17. This is down from 29 entrants in 2023 but up from 25 in 2022.
All 20,000 plus voting members of the TV academy have until June 24 to cast their Emmy nominations ballots for their favorite live variety specials. They each must limit their choices to five, reflecting the number of eventual nominees.
Unlike comedy and drama series, which simply appear on the ballot by name, these submissions include plot descriptions. Which of the specials listed below do you think will make the final cut?
The 59th Academy Of Country Music Awards
Took place Thursday, May 16, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The ACM Awards gave fans an invitation to country music’s party of the year with stars and live performances.
28th Annual ADG Awards
The ADG Awards are presented annually by the Art Directors Guild to recognize excellence in production design and art direction in the film and television industries.
Amazon Music Live with Garth Brooks
Broadcast from the grand opening of Brooks’ Nashville bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, fans around the globe were given a front-row seat for one of Garth’s “Dive Bar” concerts. The special featured Brooks performing new music, hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher
Featured Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Will I Am, and Ludacris, performing across the field and three stages. The 13-minute performance featured the songs “Yeah” “My Boo,” “Caught Up,” and “Burn.”
BET Awards 2023
The year’s biggest artists are awarded for their work in film, television, music, sports and more during this celebration of all things Black culture.
Christmas at Graceland
Musical tribute at Elvis Presley’s iconic Memphis estate, featuring performances by top artists celebrating the holiday spirit and the King’s enduring legacy.
2024 CMT Music Awards
Country’s fan-voted award show live from Austin, TX with world premieres and collabs from Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, host Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Little Big Town + Sugarland, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum + Brittney Spencer and more.
Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024
The yearly awards program celebrating the creators and performers powering the global love of anime. This year 400 industry creatives, and celebrity presenters including Megan Thee Stallion, and director Bong Joon Ho gathered in Tokyo to unveil winners chosen by judges and 34 million global fans.
81st Golden Globes
Hosted by stand-up comedian and actor Jo Koy; Aired live from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The evening kicked off awards season and featured big wins for Oppenheimer, Succession, The Bear, and Beef.
66th Grammy Awards
Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and many more, came together for the 66th Grammy Awards hosted by Trevor Noah. Celine Dion presented album of the year to Taylor Swift who made history for the most album wins of all time.
The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady
Offensive lines. Full-contact comedy. Kevin Hart hosts this all-star roast of NFL legend Tom Brady.
Katt Williams: Woke Foke
Telling truths and spilling secrets, Katt Williams lets loose in this no-holds-barred stand-up special.
Kiss – The Final Show – Live From New York
Kiss wraps up their 50-year concert run with a hometown show at Madison Square Garden, and gives a special goodbye message to cap off their Farewell Tour.
Lainey Wilson – Live From Red Rocks
Lainey Wilson captivates a sold-out Red Rocks crowd while dancing and covering every corner of the stage.
72nd Miss Universe Pageant
The 72nd Miss Universe Pageant finals were held in El Salvador on November 18th, 2023. 84 delegates vied for the prestigious “Force for Good” crown.
2023 MTV Video Music Awards
Honors the biggest names in music with performances, awards, and pop culture-defining moments.
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest celebrates the year’s very best in music with performances, America’s favorite personalities and a look at New Year’s celebrations around the globe.
The Oscars
A global broadcast honoring the cinematic achievements of the filmmaking community. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the 96th Oscars featured 23 awards categories, notable presenters and performances of the year’s Music (Original Song) nominees.
People’s Choice Country Awards
Recognized the best of country music chosen entirely by the fans. Honorary awards were bestowed along with musical performances, collaborations, tributes and surprise moments at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The live broadcast of music’s highest honor, featuring tributes and moving performances by Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, Willie Nelson, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., Jimmy Page, and Elton John.
The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
The biggest names in film and television light up the stage at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
TikTok in the Mix
TikTok in the Mix at Sloan Park in Arizona featured Cardi B, Niall Horan, Anitta, Peso Pluma, and Charlie Puth. Offset made a surprise appearance. Emerging artists like Isabel LaRosa and Kaliii added variety, showcasing diverse talent.
76th Annual Tony Awards
The Tony Awards scored big with host Ariana DeBose’s instrumental opening dance number, 14 performances and 14 awards using the unique power of performance and visual storytelling.
Travis Scott – Utopia – Live From Circus Maximus
A Travis Scott concert unfolds at Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place in Ancient Roman times, and coincides with the release of his new album Utopia.
Unforgettable, The 21st Annual Asian American Awards
The 21st Unforgettable Gala celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in entertainment, the arts and culture. UNFO honors the most impactful API artists of the year. This year’s show includes performances by Common Kings and a Broadway medley, and award winners Charles Melton and Greta Lee.
Wu-Tang Clan & Nas: NY State Of Mind Tour 2023 At Climate Pledge Arena
Wu-Tang and Nas unite once again for a joint tour along with an appearance by De La Soul. Recorded live from the Climate Pledge Arena.
PREDICT the 2024 Emmy nominations through July 17
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