HBO announced Friday that it would donate $1 million to the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund, Variety confirms. The powerhouse company made the decision to allot some of the funds they spend on its annual Emmy after party and other For Your Consideration events to relief funds due to the likelihood of the Emmys being held remotely.
The president of HBO Programming, Casey Bloys, stated that he and Bob Greenblatt, chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment, are “proud to make this contribution from HBO instead of using it for our traditional Emmy party and FYC events.” He is also “tremendously proud of all of our shows in Emmy contention this year, and I am hopeful they will receive the recognition I believe is richly deserved for all of our talented collaborators, in front of and behind the camera. We look forward to being able to get back to the work we love.”
The company urges that “The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund is providing essential support to emergent, critical needs identified with the City as it responds to the pandemic, including support for families and small businesses, relief for healthcare workers, critical healthcare equipment, victims of domestic violence, and services for the city’s homeless population,” Variety states.
The Television Academy is also being supportive during these uncertain times having cancelling all sanctioned For Your Consideration events. Following suit, networks and studios have discovered other methods of campaigning, most of which include a COVID-19 relief component, according to Variety.
The Emmys ceremony is still scheduled for September 20 on ABC, but information regarding the ceremony’s locale is unknown.