The Emmys are underway and host Nate Bargatze has put $100,000 on the line in a bid to keep speeches short.
A problem every year for award shows is the winner talking over the allocated time on stage while accepting their trophy.
But the comedian revealed a new rule this year to keep the award recipients efficient.
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During his opening speech, Bargatze announced a $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America — an organisation in the US that provides safe and educational environments for children when they’re not at school or home.
He went on to explain for every speech under the allocated 45 seconds, $1,000 per second would be added to the donation amount.
However, for any speeches that go over the time money would be deduced from the total.
“I’m not trying to take anything away,” Bargatze said, from the stage.
“45 seconds, that’s what you have got.
“And if you want to do more than that, do it on social media later, more people are going to see it there anyway.
“So to start the show, I am going to donate $100,000.”
The first-time Emmy host opened the awards night with a sketch of himself portraying television inventor Philo Farnsworth explaining how it would be used in the future.
Flanked by Saturday Night Live cast members Bowen Yang, Mikey Day and James Austin Johnson, the pre-recorded sketch was played to the audience.
As Farnsworth, Bargatze told the celebrity-filled Peacock Theatre audience in Los Angeles that streaming services would be “a new way for a company to lose money”.
Following the sketch, Bargatze gave a brief opening monologue on stage in which he revealed the night’s ground rules.
“Don’t go crazy, though,” Bargatze cautioned. “Because I’m paying for this…”
The Late Show host Stephen Colbert presented the first award of the night for lead actor in a comedy series, coming out on to the stage with a standing ovation from the audience.
The Late Show will conclude in May 2026, following the unexpected announcement of its cancellation.
“While I have your attention, is anyone hiring?” Colbert said. “Because I’ve got 200 very well qualified candidates here with me tonight, who will be available in June.”
Colbert then presented the award to actor Seth Rogen for his role in the Apple TV+ show The Studio.
Apple TV+ hit Severance went into the Emmy Awards with the most nominations, 27 in total. Followed by HBO’s The Penguin with 24. Apple TV+ show, Seth Rogen’s The Studio is tied with HBO hit The White Lotus with 23 nominations each.
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