Emmys Update: New Rules on AI, TV Movie Category, and Expanded Eligibility for Casting, Costume, and Lighting

The Television Academy has announced significant changes to the rules for the 78th Emmy Awards, set to take place in 2026. Among the updates is a new name for the Outstanding Television Movie category, alongside changes in categories for Short Form, Sound Mixing, and Music. The eligibility criteria for the Casting, Costume, and Lighting, Camera & Technical Arts categories have also been expanded.

The 2026 rules include a provision addressing artificial intelligence, stating that the Television Academy reserves the right to inquire about AI’s role in submissions. The Academy emphasized that its primary focus remains on human storytelling, regardless of the tools utilized in the production process.

The updates to the award categories are as follows:

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Television Movie Category:

The Outstanding Television Movie category will now be known as Outstanding Movie, reflecting the evolving landscape of cinematic content tailored for both broadcast and streaming platforms.

Short Form Program Categories:

Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series and Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama, or Variety Series will be categorized as tracked categories. Each will honor two specific genres: original series and those derived from other programming. The number of nominees will correspond to the volume of submissions in each category, ensuring at least one nomination per genre.

Sound Mixing Category Split:

The category for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program is now divided into two distinct categories: Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Reality Program.

Music:

• The Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary/Nonfiction or Reality Program (Original Dramatic Score) will now permit eligibility for reality shows featuring original dramatic scores.
• Eligibility for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music has been expanded to recognize both main title themes, which appear at the beginning, and main-on-end themes, which appear after the final act before the end credits.

Emmy Eligible Titles:

The Academy has broadened the titles eligible under certain peer groups:

• In the casting category, the title of Associate Casting Director is now eligible for scripted series (comedy, drama, and limited or anthology series). Entrants must demonstrate meaningful creative impact, subject to review by the Casting Directors Peer Group Executive Committee.

• For costumes, the title of Key Costumer is now included as eligible.

In the Lighting, Camera & Technical Arts category, Director of Photography can now be eligible in Technical Direction and Camerawork, provided they meet certain conditions, including not being eligible in any other category and not submitting a petition for inclusion in the Lighting Direction/Lighting Design categories.

The Technical Director must approve their inclusion; if no Technical Director is eligible, the Director will be responsible for approving the DP.

AI Statement:

A new statement has been added to the Rules & Procedures clarifying the Academy’s stance on AI:

The Television Academy reserves the right to inquire about the use of AI in submissions. The core of our recognition remains centered on human storytelling, regardless of the tools used to bring it to life.

Previously Announced 2026 Rules Changes Include:

Legacy Award:

The Television Academy has introduced the Legacy Award, designed to honor a television program that has made a significant and lasting impact on audiences and maintains its relevance in society, culture, and the industry.

Casting:

In an effort to streamline eligibility for reality casting titles, the following titles will be included 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:

For the 2026 Emmy competition, a Main Title Theme must feature in at least 50% of the episodes submitted. This theme is defined as a distinctive musical signature that sets the tone for the show, drawing in the audience.