Seth Rogen says he has not been invited to present at the Emmy Awards since 2021 and believes he has been blacklisted because of his candid remarks about that year’s ceremony. The actor and comedian made these claims during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he discussed why he thinks the Emmy producers have chosen not to include him again.
Criticism of the 2021 Emmys Venue Triggers Fallout
Rogen’s alleged ban reportedly stems from a moment at the 2021 Emmys when he spoke out about the event’s indoor venue while live on television. At that time, the program was advertised as an outdoor event amid the ongoing pandemic, but the ceremony was instead held inside a tent. Rogen openly challenged the decision, joking about how unsafe the setting felt, especially considering the presence of older actors like Eugene Levy.
Let me start by saying there is way too many of us in this little room,
Rogen said during the ceremony before introducing the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category.
What are we doing? They said this was outdoors! It’s not. They lied to us. We’re in a hermetically sealed tent right now! I would not have come to this. Why is there a roof? It’s more important that we have three chandeliers than that we make sure we don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight. That is what has been decided. This is insane. I went from wiping my groceries to having Paul Bettany sneeze in my face.
The comedian’s remarks were met with laughter from the audience but evidently caused frustration among the event’s producers, who he says were openly upset with him afterward.
Rogen Confirms Producers’ Anger and Lack of Re-Invitation
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Seth Rogen defended his impromptu comments from the Emmy stage, insisting he was simply telling the truth about the situation. He explained that he had initially planned to follow the scripted segment but changed course once he saw the indoor setup and became concerned about safety.
It said, ‘Outdoor event.’ And I had all intention of doing the dumb schtick that they had written for me, and then I showed up, and then I was like, ‘We’re in a tent. I can’t ignore this. We’re gonna kill these old— Eugene Levy’s here! We’re gonna kill Eugene Levy? I don’t wanna do that.’
Rogen added,
They were outwardly pissed off at me afterwards, the producers, and I know they cycle through producers, but I’ve not been asked to return.
Host Jimmy Kimmel, who himself has hosted the Emmys multiple times, confirmed with the Television Academy that Rogen is indeed banned from presenting.
I checked today, because, you know, I’ve hosted the Emmys quite a few times, and you are, indeed, banned from presenting,
Kimmel said.
Comparison to Kimmel’s Own Suspension Highlights Rogen’s Frustration
Rogen humorously compared his Emmys blacklist to Kimmel’s suspension from ABC, both viewing their situations as attempts to silence their honest voices.
I’ve been blacklisted. I’m with you!
Rogen joked, adding,
I’m like you. They’re trying to silence me. You can’t win. You try to speak truth to power! You know!
Despite the tension, Rogen acknowledged why the Emmys may have decided not to include him again, admitting his unscripted comments made the producers look bad. He stated plainly,
I went very off-book and made them look bad. So, I get that.
Success at the 2023 Emmys Demonstrates Rogen’s Continued Influence
Although blacklisted from presenting, Seth Rogen made a significant impact at the 2023 Emmys for his work behind the scenes and on screen. He personally took home four awards for the first season of The Shrink Next Door, which he co-created and produced. The show earned Outstanding Comedy Series, while Rogen was recognized for his direction, writing, and leading performance on the Apple TV+ production.
Representatives for the Television Academy have not publicly responded to requests for comment about Rogen’s claims. Meanwhile, his candid discussion with Jimmy Kimmel sheds light on the tensions between outspoken talent and major awards institutions navigating the challenges of pandemic-era productions.
