The Television Academy today announced rules changes for the 77th Emmy® Awards competition in 2025, which include expanding eligibility in the Directing category and redefining eligibility for Guest Performers. The Academy also announced changes that will be implemented for the 78th competition in 2026, which will streamline eligibility for Casting and will impact Main Title Theme Music submissions.
The 2025 Rules & Procedures book will be posted the week of Jan. 20.
Partial rules changes for 77th Emmy competition (2025):
Directing:
An eligible individual or the identical team may now enter multiple achievements per category if the achievements are for different programs. Previously, directors were allowed to submit only one entry per category. This change will allow the director to submit an episode from each of the programs they directed.
Guest Performer Eligibility:
If a performer has been nominated or has won in a Lead or Supporting Performer category, the performer will not be eligible to submit in a Guest Performer category in a subsequent Emmy year for playing the same character role in the same series. They may, however, continue to enter in a Lead or Supporting category.
Additional rules changes that will be implemented for the 78th Emmy competition (2026):
Casting:
To streamline the number of reality casting titles that are eligible for Emmy consideration, the following titles will be eligible starting with the 2026 Emmy competition:
Casting By
Executive in Charge of Casting
Supervising Casting Director
Supervising Casting Producer
Senior Casting Director
Casting Director
Senior Casting Producer
Casting Producer
Celebrity Casting By
Music – Main Title Theme:
A Main Title Theme must appear in 50% or more of eligible episodes submitted for the 2026 Emmy competition. The Main Title Theme has been further defined as a musical fingerprint and calling card that is identifiable and unique to a show, thereby drawing an audience in by setting the show’s tone and what is to come.
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Contact:
Jim Yeager
breakwhitelight (for the Television Academy)
jim@breakwhitelight.com
818-264-6812
For the complete press release, click here.