Entertainment Columnist Glenn Whipp of The Los Angeles Times commented the upcoming Emmys will be presented during "the strangest award season ever." In a streamlined newsletter yesterday, Whipp noted that "the usual star-studded panels and lavish parties leading up to voting will be wiped out." Instead, networks and streaming outlets will serve up behind-the-scenes looks at contenders and their associated banter preceding the September program.

Part of the reason I enjoy watching award shows is — OK, I'll admit it — I like to see what celebs are wearing. Yep, it might surprise people who know me that I actually follow fashion trends — because I dress casually a lot of the time. I appreciate the art and creativity it takes to design beautiful clothes. And I may need ideas for the rare times (especially now) when I go to an event that requires wearing something extra special.

Celebrities use fashion to show solidarity for a social or political issue. Planned Parenthood, GLAAD and ACLU logos have all been displayed on pins worn on the Red Carpet. "I am a voter" pins and St. Jude's Hospital Research pins also were attached to dresses, lapels and clutch purses at the 2019 Emmys.

It's fun to see stars interviewed on the Red Carpet and listen to innocuous chatter — a little escapism after a long day. It gets me in my popcorn mode. Of course, you can even hear political commentary from a winner. At last year's ceremony, Patricia Arquette, in her acceptance speech for Hulu's The Act, courageously advocated for equal rights for transgender people.

This year's host for the Emmys is no stranger to political commentary, often offering his take on the Trump administration. Late-night king Jimmy Kimmel will host the 72nd Emmy Award Show. This will be his third tour, previously at the helm for the 2016 and 2012 Emmys. Kimmel will executive produce.

"I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it," said Kimmel.

The Emmys will air on Sunday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The show will be a remote presentation due to the current pandemic. Kimmel is well-versed in producing virtual shows: he taped Jimmy Kimmel Live from March to June from home, where he announced he'll take a two-month summer hiatus. Fill-ins will sub. Could this have been related to his upcoming Emmy gig? Highly likely, in my opinion. 

The extremely popular Game of Thrones will not be a nominee, as it ended last year, so some stiff competition has been eliminated for other contenders. Pundits always like to make predictions about winners. CNET's film and TV reviewer Richard Trenholm included HBO's Big Little Lies with Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep and "The Morning Show" starring Jennifer Aniston (Apple TV Plus) as probable winners.

SNL comedian Leslie Jones will announce nominees this Tuesday live on Emmys.com.