TV Academy To Toss DVD Screeners: Emmy Process Goes Digital In 2020

No more discs – the Television Academy has announced that it will eliminate DVD screeners from its award nominating and voting process for the 2020 Emmy eligibility period. The Academy becomes the first major Hollywood organization to announce the move.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Academy to take an important first step to move the industry forward in an area of great concern for both our partners and members, reducing costs and delivering a tremendous positive impact for the environment,” said newly elected Television Academy Chairman Frank Scherma. “Television has an ever-expanding role as the world’s most innovative and popular entertainment medium, and this decision embraces the evolution of viewing practices and preferences of the Academy’s 25,000 members and the industry at large.”

Doing away with DVDs could save the TV industry tens of millions of dollars, according to the Academy, while also making a positive environmental impact by eliminating waste.

The Academy also notes that the move to digital “keeps pace with technological advancements in content delivery and the viewing trends of Academy members.” In 2020, screening of eligible programs will take place exclusively on digital platforms hosted by the production and distribution entities or on the Television Academy’s viewing platform.

The plan adopted by the Academy’s board of governors, announced today, will go into effect following the 71st Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019.