Awards HQ May 10: Golden Globes Implosion; Disney TV FYC Plans; How to Emmy DIY; Much More!

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will now have to decide how or if it will move forward with the Golden Globes next year without its broadcast partner, or more swiftly enact changes demanded by industry leaders regarding the org’s membership and processes.

“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform,” NBC said in a statement. “However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes. Assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.”

This continues to be a fast developing story. Head to Variety.com for the latest, and read more about NBC’s announcement here.

And read the HFPA’s latest statement on the controversy, and their specific timeline for reform, here.

ALSO: In case you missed last week’s AWARDS HQ, I present again my thoughts: Keep the spirit of the fact that the Globes are voted on by members from around the world, and make it a reality. The idea that voters need special access to talent is ludicrous; all they need is access to the films. Which in this streaming era, isn’t hard to do, no matter where they are. Maybe one day, a new Hollywood Global Press Association can rise from its ashes. But for now, the “F” in “HFPA” stands for “failed.” Tear it down.

Disney TV is taking its FYC events to the Rose Bowl (joining competitors like HBO/HBO Max, who have also decided to go the drive-in route this year). Awards HQ has the first look at Disney TV’s schedule of screenings and panels, which of course will also include dinner (delivered to cars) at events to be held between May 25 and June 16. Unique to the Disney events, several of the screenings will include in-person panels, such as gatherings for FX’s “A Teacher” and “Pose,” NBC’s “This Is Us,” ABC’s “Black-ish,” Nat Geo’s “Genius: Aretha” and more. (Not included below, Disney Plus’ “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “The Mandalorian” also plan in-person panels to be announced later.

Here are the Disney TV events, along with in-person panels when applicable:

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 7 p.m.: “This Is Us” (NBC, which is co-hosting)
Dan Fogelman, Creator & Executive Producer
Mandy Moore, “Rebecca Pearson”
Chrissy Metz, “Kate Pearson”

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 7 p.m.: “Pose” (FX)
Billy Porter, “Pray Tell”
Mj Rodriguez, “Blanca Rodriguez”
Steven Canals, Co-Creator/EP/Director

MONDAY, JUNE 7: “A Teacher” (FX)
Hannah Fidell, Creator
Kate Mara, “Claire Wilson”
Nick Robinson, “Eric Walker”

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 7 p.m.: “Pen15” (Hulu)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 7 p.m.: “City So Real” (Nat Geo)

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 7 p.m.: “Genius: Aretha” (Nat Geo)
Cynthia Erivo, “Aretha Franklin”

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 7 p.m.: “Fargo” (FX)

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 7 p.m.: “WandaVision”/ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” (Disney Plus)

MONDAY, JUNE 14, 5 p.m.: “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)

TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 7 p.m.: “Black-ish” (ABC)
Tracee Ellis Ross, “Rainbow Johnson” & Producer
Anthony Anderson, “Dre Johnson” & Producer
Courtney Lilly, Executive Producer & Director

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 5 p.m.: “The Mandalorian” (Disney Plus)

In addition, attendees will be sent through a unique photo drop, in which the entire back wall will be an LED wall, and on each leg of the truss are LED monitors that can be used for either clips or static images.
 

Congrats to Mayim Bialik and the “Call Me Kat” crew for landing a second season renewal from Fox on Monday. Bialik is the star of “Call Me Kat,” and although she’s not the showrunner, she is an executive producer (along with her former “The Big Bang Theory” co-star Jim Parsons, by the way), so we asked her to fill out our “Watch My Show!” survey on why we should check it out. Bialik stars as Kat, who at 39 is single and fine with it — even if her mother, Sheila (Swoosie Kurtz) isn’t. Kat spends her entire savings to open a cat café in Louisville, Kentucky, and that’s where much of the action takes place. Kyla Pratt, Leslie Jordan, Cheyenne Jackson and Julian Gant also star. Darlene Hunt is the executive producer and showrunner. Here’s Bialik’s pitch.

Sum up your show’s pitch on one sentence.
Based on the BBC hit “Miranda,” an unconventional ‘lemons into lemonade’ 39 year old single woman opens a cat cafe, much to her mother’s chagrin, but finds a world of possibility with new friends, an old crush, and some hijinks along the way.

What’s an alternate title for your show?
Mayim Bialik In Another Sitcom? Or maybe just “Kat” like “Miranda” was just “Miranda”!

What do we need to know before tuning in?
We are based on the BBC hit “Miranda”- we break the fourth wall and are aware that that’s new to some people. Also, my character is a kind of normal quirky woman. You know the type: not a lot of make-up, no body shapers, kind of goofy, a little klutzy and also full of heart. Also, we are trying to entertain people; this isn’t serious business. Prepare to laugh.

Give us an equation for your show.
Miranda minus Miranda plus Mayim Bialik plus cats times Leslie Jordan to the nth degree.

What’s the best thing someone said about your show?
It feels comforting after a very shitty year of fear, uncertainty, and isolation. One successful woman told me she quit her unfulfilling (but very established!) job because Kat showed her she can have the life she wants and she’s pursuing it.

If you could work on any other series in TV, what would it be?
Jeopardy!. My 2 weeks of episodes start airing May 31! And if not Jeopardy!, THE SINNER!!

Finish this sentence, ‘If you like, you’ll love our show.’
If you like hugs and chocolate chip cookies warmed up in the microwave you’ll love our show.

When Steve McQueen first approached John Boyega about playing London police officer Leroy Logan in his Amazon Prime Video anthology series “Small Axe,” they were both amazed and puzzled by the story of the real-life trailblazer. Logan was a young forensic scientist who gave up that successful career to take on the challenge of a lifetime: He wanted to create change from within by becoming a police officer.

But in doing so, Logan faced the disapproval of his father, was seen as a traitor by his community, and encountered plenty of blatant racism inside the Metropolitan police force.

“That was the key for me see, this guy’s made the decision that a lot of people wouldn’t make, especially during that time,” Boyega tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “And I was curious as to what kind of mind is behind a man that kind of makes this choice.” Boyega soon met with Logan, and discovered they had various connections in the community, making his “Small Axe” installment, “Red White and Blue,” even more personal. Boyega also discusses his own advocacy, working with McQueen and even that “Star Wars” reference that McQueen managed to sneak in. Listen by clicking below!

Later in the episode: with her new Showtime variety series, Ziwe Fumudoh, known professionally as just Ziwe, is ready to create her “Ziwe cinematic universe.”

The comedian and author went viral last summer when she hosted an Instagram Live show “from my bedroom.” Not only did she host and interview guests from Alyssa Milano to Alison Roman, but Ziwe was also responsible for the show’s set design, hair and makeup, costume design and talent booking. Then, if she didn’t want to do an episode, she just didn’t do it, because she was only “accountable to myself,” she tells Variety on the first Emmy edition of the “Awards Circuit” podcast.

Variety’s Emmy edition of the “Awards Circuit” podcast is hosted by Michael Schneider, Jazz Tangcay and Danielle Turchiano and is your one-stop listen for lively conversations about the best in television. Each week during Emmy season, “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top TV talent and creatives; discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines; and much, much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post every Thursday.

From the Inbox, early last week: A fairly innocuous request:

Dear Mr Schneider,

As the daughter of PR guru Lois Smith, I’m writing to ask your advice on how to do a DIY Emmy campaign. Is it even possible?

It would be for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama, for my work as Merrilee Legarski in David Kelley’s Big Sky.

I don’t have a publicist and know how important campaigning is… so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Brooke Smith

I decided to throw this question out there on Twitter. Some responses:

Myles McNutt points to the infamous year that Melissa Leo bankrolled her own campaign, after she felt that “The Fighter” wasn’t doing enough to tout her Oscar ambitions:

My favorite answer may be from my old Variety colleague Jon Weisman, who pointed out that what Brooke just did may have been the best route:

LOL, I’m writing about her, so, I guess, so far so good, right? But then Brooke went and did something that I would argue is perhaps less advised. And that’s to more or less start a fight. She amended her DIY campaign to hire a publicist make it all about a grievance. Look at the updated email she sent to reporters later in the week:

As the daughter of PR guru Lois Smith, I understand the importance of campaigning for awards. I can’t afford a publicist, but I did pay the fees and submit myself for consideration to be nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for my work as Merrilee Legarski on David Kelley’s “Big Sky.” Because of the “stay in your lane” mentality of Studios, they won’t include me in any FYC panel discussions or press, or even put my name in the cast list on the Big Sky FYC page because I was a “recurring character” and not a “series regular”. I appeared in 8 out of 10 episodes (more than some of the other actors who were “series regulars”) and I was paid a lot less than everyone else, but I made peace with that because of the incredible material David E. Kelley was writing for me. I told myself that as long as I had great stuff to do on Big Sky playing Merrilee Legarski, I would survive being alone + away from my family in Vancouver for 6 months during a global pandemic.

Even though I know about publicity and what it does, I have always believed that if you do good work, people will notice. It’s difficult to compete when FYC ads in trade magazines start at about 10k, and most actors have teams helping them to get the word out. But I am very proud of my work on this show, so I am trying to do a DIY campaign myself. I am emailing tv critics and trade magazines directly to ask them to vote for me if they liked my work on the show. What have I got to lose?

I mean, I guess that’s another way to go? I don’t see her listed as among the key stars or supporting players in any press materials for “Big Sky,” so the expectation of an Emmy campaign does feel like a stretch. But again, I guess we’re talking about her!

The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors last Tuesday announced this year’s nominees for entertainment, documentaries, news, podcast/radio, children’s & youth, public service and arts. A total of 60 nominees were revealed as representing “the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2020.”

PBS once again led the nominations with 12 programs, followed by Netflix with nine. HBO was next with five, and then Amazon and Showtime with three each, and Apple TV Plus and CBS with two apiece. Out of the nominees, half (in other words, 30) will be named winners and recognized during a virtual celebration in June.

Here are the entertainment nominees:

“Euphoria Special: Part 1: Rue ‘Trouble Don’t Last Always’” (HBO)
HBO in association with Reasonable Bunch, A24, Little Lamb, Dreamcrew, ADD Content Agency | HOT | TEDY Productions

“Gentefied” (Netflix)
Netflix

“I May Destroy You” (HBO)
HBO in association with BBC, Various Artists Limited, and FALKNA

“La Llorona” (Shudder)
La Casa de Produccíon

“Never Have I Ever” (Netflix)
Universal Television, in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Original Langster, and Kaling International

“Small Axe” (Amazon Prime Video)
BBC Studios Americas, Inc. and Amazon Studios

“Ted Lasso” (Apple TV Plus)
Apple / Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television

“The Good Lord Bird” (Showtime)
Showtime Presents Blumhouse Television, Mark 924 Entertainment, Under the Influence Productions

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS)
CBS Studios

“Unorthodox” (Netflix)
Studio Airlift and RealFilm for Netflix

Read more about the Peabody Awards 2021 nominees here.

What a nice surprise from Amazon Prime Video: A delivery of fresh juices, themed to the streamer’s various Emmy contenders, including “Small Axe,” “The Underground Railroad,” “The Boys” and more. Delicious.

Meet my new best friend, Dwayne “Young Rock” Johnson. I’ve been trying to get the Rock to appear on our podcast so that (a) we can talk about growing up in Hawai’i, something I know a thing or two about; and (b) so this can sit behind me as we talk. Let’s make it happen, NBC!

“Gonna be famous, 5-eva!” I have had the “Girls5eva” song in my head, nonstop, for a week, and I’m fine with that. Peacock’s new comedy, from creator Meredith Scardino and fellow exec producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, is a joy. Definitely worth your time.

And finally, a very on-brand box for Showtime’s “Ziwe,” the new late-night variety show starring and executive produced by Ziwe (“Desus & Mero”), which premiered on Sunday, May 9 at 11 p.m. And back this spring, on Paramount Plus, is the “Rugrats” revival, featuring the voices of EG Daily (Tommy Pickles), Michael McKean, Omar Miller, Natalie Morales, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Timothy Simons, Tommy Dewey, Nancy Cartwright and Nicole Byer.

We asked JD Pardo, who plays Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Reyes on FX’s ‘Mayans M.C.,’ to share his TV guilty TV pleasure (Can be of all time, or currently. Cheesy reality show? Campy sitcom? Obscure public access show? Anything applies!); his “deep cut” (the show he recommends that isn’t as well known, past or present); and “show mate” (the show that, if you were stuck on a desert island with only one DVD, you’d choose to be the most important/most influential/best TV show in your life). Here are his answers:

GUILTY TV PLEASURE: The TV show “Friends” has been the one constant in my life. It’s nostalgic for me and never gets old.

DEEP CUT: “Peaky Blinders” is somewhat known but I feel it should be talked about more. Especially the first two seasons. Brilliant actors, great charismatic characters that are constantly living on the edge.

SHOW MATE: To date the most important show for me would have to be “Breaking Bad.” It taught me that you can break the rules and make a show about anything as long as you are invested and interested in the characters. Absolutely brilliant.

HBO Max’s “Raised by Wolves” centers on two androids tasked with raising human children on a mysterious virgin planet. As the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences, the androids learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous and difficult task. The show, which has been renewed for a second season, was creared by Aaron Guzikowski; Ridley Scott also executive produces via Scott Free Productions in addition to directing the first two episodes. Guzikowski filled out our “Watch My Show” survey to share why we should tune in.

Sum up your show’s pitch on one sentence.
Two android parents raise a family of human children on a haunted planet.

What’s an alternate title for your show?
“Necromancer”

What do we need to know before tuning in?
It’s not just for sci-fi fans – at its heart It’s a pioneering story about family.

Give us an equation for your show.
Androids plus religious fanatics equals giant flying serpents.

What’s the best thing someone said about your show?
“A snarling provocation.”

If you could work on any other series in TV, what would it be?
“The Twilight Zone”

Finish this sentence, ‘If you like, you’ll love our show.’
“If you like escaping into strange new worlds, you’ll love our show.”

Variety film awards editor Clayton Davis is the king of awards predictions, so I’m happy to report that he is also taking on our Emmy predictions this season. And like his elaborate Oscars predictions pages, Clayton has built a massive Emmy hub to keep track of all of his predix for the season. Check out his Emmy Collective here, where everything is in one place. So far, here are his picks in key program categories:

• Outstanding Drama Series
• Outstanding Comedy Series
• Outstanding Television Movie
• Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

In drama, Clayton is picking:

“The Crown” (Netflix)
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
“In Treatment” (HBO)
“Lovecraft Country” (HBO)
“The Mandalorian” (Disney Plus)
“Perry Mason” (HBO)
“Pose” (FX)
“This Is Us” (NBC)

In comedy, Clayton has:

“Black-ish” (ABC)
“The Flight Attendant” (HBO Max)
“Hacks” (HBO Max)
“The Kominsky Method” (Netflix)
“Pen15” (Hulu)
“Superstore” (NBC)
“Ted Lasso” (Apple TV Plus)
“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (NBC)

And in limited series/anthology, he chooses:

“I May Destroy You” (HBO)
“The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix)
“Small Axe” (Amazon Prime Video)
“The Underground Railroad” (Amazon Prime Video)
“WandaVision” (Disney Plus)

Read more: 2021 Emmy Predictions: The Collective

Monday, May 10, 5 p.m. PT: Peacock invites Television Academy National Active members to “Rutherford Falls” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. PT: Hulu invites Television Academy National Active members to “Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. PT: Netflix invites Television Academy National Active members to “Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine” FYC event. Click here to watch the event.

Monday, May 10: Amazon Prime Video in partnership with Film at Lincoln Center and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights host a private virtual event in support of “The Underground Railroad.” The live conversation with Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins and series star Thuso Mbedu will be moderated by best-selling author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Tuesday, May 11, 5 p.m. PT: Starz invites Television Academy National Active members to “Power Book II: Ghost” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Tuesday, May 11, 5 p.m. PT: Fantracks Digital invites Television Academy National Active members to “It’s Christmas All Over with the Goo Goo Dolls” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Wednesday, May 12, 5 p.m. PT: CBS invites Television Academy National Active members to “The Bite” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Thursday, May 13, 5 p.m. PT: Variety Screening Room presents an Exclusive Screening with the Actors and Executive Producers of ABC’s “Home Economics.” Actors Topher Grace, Caitlin McGee, Jimmy Tatro, Karla Souza, Sasheer Zamata, executive producers Michael Colton and John Aboud of “Home Economics” join Variety’s Michael Schneider in the Variety Streaming Room presented by ABC for an exclusive screening and Q&A.

“Home Economics” takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class and one barely holding on. The comedy is inspired by the life of writer and executive producer Michael Colton. Register here to join.

Thursday, May 13, 5 p.m. PT: Hulu invites Television Academy National Active members to Adult Animation: “Crossing Swords,” “Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.,” “Solar Opposites” FYC event. Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Friday, May 14, 5 p.m. PT: Join Variety’s Streaming Room for an Exclusive Q&A with the actors and executive producers of ABC’s “Last Man Standing.” Executive producer and actor Tim Allen, actress Nancy Travis, actor Hector Elizondo, executive producer / showrunner Kevin Abbott and executive producer Matt Berry of “Last Man Standing” join Variety’s Michael Schneider in the Variety Streaming Room presented by 20th Television for an exclusive Q&A discussing clips from the show.

“Last Man Standing” stars Allen as Mike Baxter, a happily married father of three daughters, who finds himself the odd man out as he tries to maintain his manliness in a home dominated by women. Register to join here.

Friday, May 14, 5 p.m. PT: Peacock invites Television Academy National Active members to a virtual panel for “The Amber Ruffin Show.” Click here to watch the event on the Television Academy’s Viewing Platform.

Friday, May 14, 8 p.m. PT: HBO Max invites Television Academy National Active members to “The Flight Attendant” drive-in FYC event at the Rose Bowl. Click here to register for the RSVP Lottery.

Saturday, May 15, 2 p.m. PT: HBO MAX invites Television Academy National Active members to “Generation” drive-in FYC event at the Rose Bowl. Click here to register for the RSVP Lottery.

Saturday, May 15, 7 p.m. PT: Amazon Studios invites Television Academy National Active members to “The Boys” FYC event. Click here to register for the event.

Saturday, May 15, 8 p.m. PT: HBO invites Television Academy National Active members to “David Byrne’s American Utopia” drive-in FYC event at the Rose Bowl. Moderated by: Jazz Tangcay, Variety. Click here to register for the RSVP Lottery.

Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m. PT: Amazon Studios invites Television Academy National Active members to “What the Constitution Means to Me” FYC event. Click here to register for the event.

Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m. PT: HBO Max invites Television Academy National Active members to “It’s A Sin” drive-in FYC event at the Rose Bowl. Click here to register for the RSVP Lottery.

Sunday, May 16, 7 p.m. PT: Amazon Studios invites Television Academy National Active members to “Them” FYC event. Click here to register for the event.

Sunday, May 16, 8 p.m. PT: HBO invites Television Academy National Active members to “Mare of Easttown” drive-in FYC event at the Rose Bowl. Moderated by Variety’s Jenelle Riley. Click here to register for the RSVP Lottery.

Sunday, May 16, 5 p.m. PT: The Podcast Academy will host its inaugural Awards for Excellence in Audio (The Ambies). Streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.

Sunday, May 16, 9 p.m. ET/PT: The 2021 “MTV Movie & TV Awards” will be hosted by comedian Leslie Jones and air live from the Palladium in Los Angeles.

Premiere dates: MONDAY, MAY 10: “The Crime of the Century” (HBO); WEDNESDAY, MAY 12: “The Upshaws” (Netflix), “The Hills: New Beginnings” (MTV); THURSDAY, MAY 13: “Hacks” (HBO Max); FRIDAY, MAY 14: “Halston” (Netflix), “The Underground Railroad” (Amazon Prime Video), “Pride” (FX); SUNDAY, MAY 16: “Run The World” (Starz), “Death and Nightingales” (Starz); 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards (MTV)

Feel free to send your burning Emmy questions and suggestions to mschneider@variety.com, and your hot tips as well!  Thanks for reading.