A Comedian's Plea: Vote for Jimmy Kimmel!
Colbert's Playful Appeal to Emmy Voters
During the final hours of Emmy voting, Stephen Colbert took to social media to broadcast a light-hearted yet earnest message. Appearing against a dramatic windswept coastline, a visibly relaxed Colbert, sporting a beard, addressed viewers directly from what he humorously referred to as "the end of the world." With a tablet on his lap, he acknowledged the impending deadline for Emmy ballots.
Highlighting Kimmel's Worthiness
Colbert continued his address by suggesting that while the year's voting system might be unusual, there's a universal agreement on Jimmy Kimmel's deservingness of an Emmy. He emphasized that even those unfamiliar with Kimmel's show should recognize his contributions to the category. In a charming twist, Colbert then revealed a photo of Kimmel on his tablet, exclaiming, "Besides, look how cute he is!" He concluded his appeal with a heartfelt declaration of admiration for Kimmel, urging voters to consider his friend for the award.
A Reciprocal Act of Support
This public endorsement by Colbert is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a good-natured tradition between the two late-night stalwarts. Last year, when Colbert found himself competing against Kimmel for the Outstanding Talk Series award, Kimmel had famously launched his own campaign in support of Colbert. This included an iconic billboard in West Hollywood featuring Kimmel and the message: "I'm voting for Stephen." Colbert ultimately won that category, making his current gesture a clear reciprocation of that past goodwill.
The Realigned Emmy Landscape
This year's Emmy race presents a new dynamic, as the Television Academy has merged the previously separate talk and scripted variety categories into a single, comprehensive Outstanding Variety Series award. This new classification sees both "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" competing alongside other prominent shows such as "The Daily Show," "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," and "Saturday Night Live."
Kimmel's Bold Campaign Strategy
Adding to the intrigue, Kimmel has also launched his own unique Emmy campaign. Deviating from traditional promotional tactics that often showcase celebrity interviews or memorable monologues, Kimmel's campaign video prominently features clips of former President Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of him and his show, demonstrating a bold and unconventional approach to securing votes.
Colbert's Recent Accolades and Show Conclusion
For Stephen Colbert, the current Emmy season follows the conclusion of "The Late Show" in May, after an impressive 11-year run on CBS. Its final season garnered significant recognition, earning nine Emmy nominations, including nods for Outstanding Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. Additionally, Colbert recently made a virtual appearance to accept the award for outstanding achievement in variety, talk, or sketch at the Television Critics Association Awards, further solidifying his esteemed position in the industry. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on September 14.
