Hurray for the Academy, who has noticed that it’s overdue for a rule change in its “Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program” slot and has split the category into separate fields of contention. From the Hollywood Reporter (my emphasis added):
Academy tweaks Emmy rules
Variety/music category among those changed
By Nellie Andreeva
March 12, 2009, 01:26 PM ETJon Stewart and Stephen Colbert won’t be losing to Tony Bennett and Barry Manilow at the Emmys again.
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has tweaked its rules in several categories, including splitting the Individual performance in a variety or music program field into two: one for hosts of comedy/variety/music series and one for performers in such specials.
. . .
Since the categories were merged, not a single time a host of a talk show series has won, with either musicians — Barbara Steisand, Sting, Bennett, Manilow, Bette Midler — or the stars of comedy/standup specials – Don Rickles, Elaine Stritch, Eddie Izzard John Leguizamo — taking the category, sprinkled with the occasional victory for an award show host — Jackman for the 2005 Tonys, Billy Crystal for the 1998 Oscars.
. . .
Way to go, Academy! It took you a little longer than I’d have liked, but I’m glad you came around and are now seeing things from Stephen’s point of view.
Of course, this means that we won’t be hearing anguished shouts of “Mannilooooow!” “Bennnnetttt!” or “Rickkkllles!” any longer (and we would have missed out on one of my favorite Emmy moments ever — not to mention some pretty hilarious follow up), but it’ll all be worth it if it means that Stephen finally wins that long-overdue statue for his inimitable individual performance.
ohhh, it’s bad that I was thinking “oh darn, this might decrease enraged fist-waving!” but this is certainly a logical distinction to make in the awards. I wasn’t previously aware that talk show hosts were basically shut out of the category!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’ll miss the amusing rivalries for the Emmy but this is great news nonetheless. It’s about time. Variety shows aren’t really considered equivalent to a one-time show/special and it’s not really fair to put them in the same category.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
i have always thought that sc would win an award for individual performance at the right moment…hopefully this change means he will. i mean, i know it’s just an award, but i like seeing people who deserve it get proper recognition.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
It’s okay, Stephen can still lose to Jon! “Stewaaarrrt!” *shakes fist*
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Hahaha! That’d be hilarious!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Oh my god, now some little traitorous part of me wants to see that!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
oh, a big rivalry-loving part of me wants to see that!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Lolz! Me too. I’m sure that would make for some really great comedy!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
It’s definitely about time! Although, yes, the fist shaking and the duets sure were great.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Does this mean he’ll be eligible in both categories, for TCR and for A Colbert Christmas???
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Ooooh, good point. He might be! Wouldn’t it be amazing if he won both?
(Haha. Note to self: read all the replies first.)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I was hoping the same thing. Wouldn’t it be great if he won in both categories?!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That would be very cool if he won in both categories, and at least Stephen won’t have to compete against himself: “COLBEEERRRT!” *shakes fist* :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Hey, this means that Jim Cramer may be eligible in the same category ;-)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
“CRAAAAAAMERRRRR!!!” XD
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
This is *great* news! And, yes, I think he’ll be eligible for both those categories. Oh, man. What if he won them both? That would be the best revenge ever.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I agree with some of the other commenters that it was fun to see his responses to losing the Emmys, but I’m glad the Academy changed the rules!! Now maybe Stephen will have a shot!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
To be fair, he always had a *shot*. It was just kind of ridonkulous all along that the categories were smashed together like that; it basically ensured that any voters who didn’t watch late night series would almost automatically vote for “specials” that boasted some sort of name recognition, whether those performers deserved it or not.
That’s always been one of my gripes about these award shows; they can award deserving flashes of brilliance (i.e. if someone does ONE spectacular thing in an otherwise mediocre year), but performers/shows that are incredibly strong day in and day out have a harder time getting those kinds of accolades.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That’s true, that’s true. You’re right, names like Manilow and Bennett would have definitely stood out more to the voters, especially if they weren’t late night TV watchers. And you make a good point about them voting for those who do one strong thing. Stephen and Jon put on consistently funny shows four nights a week! I’d say it’s time they were recognized for it!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Let’s hear it for the Academy! I also never understood the old category and thought it was quite unfair to lump everyone together. It always reminded me of the Golden Globes and their categories for best supporting actor/actress in a series, mini series, made-for-tv movie, infomercial, etc.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I can hear it now… “STEEWWWAAAARRRTTT!!!” “CCONNNNAAANNNN!!!”
Whew! I totally agree with the sentiments above. I am glad the Academy has divided the category.
Stephen is so very deserving for his comic timing, brilliant delivery, and overall love for what he does. You can see it every night! And we are lucky to be the recipients of such pure joy!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I think there is a good chance Tina Fey could get a nom for the same category, which could spell trouble. “FFFFFFEEEYYYYYYY!!!”
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Way to go Emmys! You’ve now proved you’re more open to change than the bloody Oscars. THOSE guys can’t ever seem to keep up with the times.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Well, good for them. It seems they want to see Stephen win as much as we do. It’s about time!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
oh, thank god.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Thank goodness! I always felt bad for Stephen re: the Emmys. Everyone else in the category (whether performers on one-time specials or hosts like Stewart or Conan) are more or less themselves on screen. Meanwhile, Stephen is performing as a character who’s hosting four nights a week. In my mind, that’s 10 times harder than anything else the other nominees are doing.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0