New Emmys rule could help underdog contenders like 'Outlander' and its actors

Outlander, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe may get their chance at the Emmys this year after the awarding body changed their rules on the number of nominations.

This year's 72nd Emmy Awards slated for September 20, 2020, and to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel will see more nominations than the previous editions.

This because according to Deadline, the number of nominations per category will be based on how many entries are submitted for each category.

Despite a three-month suspension on TV productions due to the quarantine which resulted from the coronavirus (CoVid-19) pandemic, the number of submissions has increased in the categories.

This was revealed by Frank Scherma, the CEO and chairman of the Television Academy, who attributed the increase in the number of submissions to new platforms in televisions, new voices as well as the content growth in existing platforms.

Each category of the Comedy and Drama series will now be receiving eight nominations.

More nominations mean that more shows will get the chance to get nominated, according to Catermatt. And, as such, underdog contenders like Outlander, could get more consideration.

The same goes for Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe, who could get a chance to be nominated as the number of nominees will be increased.

It also goes the same for other shows and their casts as well. The increase in the number of nominations could mean an opportunity for everyone to get nominated.

No word yet on how the awarding ceremony will be done or where it will be held. For sure, this year’s edition will be different from previous stagings as they would have to observe CoVid-19 protocols. Thus, it could perhaps be a full virtual show or it could maintain a limited number of audiences so social distancing can be observed.