The Emmys still matter to networks and talent

The Future. While awards shows may have lost their cultural significance in recent years, Hollywood insiders allege the golden-winged statuette continues to be desirable among executives and creatives looking to break through the TV noise. Aside from good press, the halo effect from an Emmys win (or two or three) could translate into more subscribers for networks.

Looking for positive reinforcement
Vulture breaks down the factors behind the Emmys’ staying power.

• Ratings. Any tool that can connect a series to an audience is important. After Peacock won its first-ever (Creative Arts) Emmys for Poker Face and The Traitors, each show got moved up to the streamer’s top-of-page content carousel.
• Ego. Since Hollywood is an industry based on vanity and recognition of craft, it’s still a huge honor to win an Emmy because it still matters to the community.
• Career advancement. Before artists bring their best projects to streamers, they consider how hard the platform will work to get them awards recognition. Creatives want to partner with networks where they can take their careers to the next level.

Making the year-end list
Although the Emmys aren’t going away anytime soon, streamers might begin to rethink how much money they pour into TV awards, especially with fewer shows getting made. As long as there’s a basic human need for awards recognition, though, Hollywood will never ignore a prize.