Host predicts conflict-free Emmys
Emmy Awards host Kenan Thompson and the ceremony’s producers are predicting a conflict-free zone, unlike the Academy Awards show that was marred by an onstage slap.
Thompson said the confrontation last March in which Will Smith attacked presenter Chris Rock over a joke directed at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was both unsettling and avoidable.
“It kind of just threw the entire world off guard, basically, and that won’t happen again,” said Thompson. “Even if I am roasting (someone), it shouldn’t come across as any sort of malice.”
If a joke ends up stinging, he said, an apology and conversation may be in order. But Rock — who “doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Thompson said — or any other comic shouldn’t expect a reaction like Smith’s to a quip.
A first-time Emmy host, the veteran “Saturday Night Live” cast member is following in the footsteps of other “SNL” colleagues such as Michael Che, Colin Jost and Andy Samberg.
Thompson said he slept on the offer before saying yes. The ceremony airs Monday on NBC and will stream live on Peacock, with dramas “Succession” and “Squid Game” and comedies “Ted Lasso” and “Hacks” among the leading nominees.
“It’s a huge deal, and it’s not necessarily something that I want to drop the ball on. So I was like, ‘Let me sit with this,’ ” he said. After talking with producers, he knew that he wanted to do it and the approach to take.
“This should be a night of appreciating artistry and creativity and removing the stress of it all out. I get it — it sucks to lose, and everybody’s picking outfits and trying to do the red
carpet thing,” Thompson said. “But at the same time, it’s an awesome thing to be in the room on Emmys night, and I don’t want that to get lost in the stress.”
Reginald Hudlin and
Ian Stewart, returning as executive producers for the ceremony, consider Thompson perfect for the job.
“He is beloved, and from the time we announced him, there’s been nothing but positive responses,” Hudlin said. “He has these great connections with everyone, and we’re going to maximize those connections ... He’s the unofficial mayor of Hollywood.”
Viewers have come to know Thompson’s style from “SNL,” where he’s a regular part of music video send-ups and plays vivid characters. He also starred in the sitcom “Kenan.”
“We know the people who are in the categories,” he said, but there could be surprises like a legendary
actor in attendance. “We should be aware, and point that out and celebrate them … I really want the community aspect of it all to be in the forefront.”
Asked if he’ll take part in any musical numbers, Thompson said it’s more than likely. “I think we need to open with a bang
... (and) there’s some ideas cooking on that level. But whatever it is, it has got to be tight, and it can’t seem like it’s just there to fill time … We have (viewers) attention. It’d better be worth having.”
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