Mask on, mask off.
The 2021 Emmy Awards were full of colorful ensembles, moving speeches and coveted gold statuettes — but no masks in sight.
While 2020’s coronavirus had awards shows very scaled down, the party only got bigger this year. Many viewers and fans on social media, Twitter and beyond certainly had something to say about the celebs sitting in close proximity to one another during the telecast.
Because as recent surges show, COVID-19 is still a thing.
Emmy host Cedric the Entertainer even joked about the virus in his opening monologue. “We had to vaxx to come here,” he said, noting the show’s precautions. “I got vaxxed. I did not have a reaction like Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend. I got Pfizer because I’m bougie. Pfizer, that’s the Neiman Marcus of vaccines, Moderna, that’s Macy’s. Johnson & Johnson, that’s TJ Maxx.”
Seth Rogen, the evening’s first presenter, also joked about the pandemic. “I went from wiping my groceries to having Paul Bettany sneeze in my face,” Rogen said.
Cue the Twitter reactions. “Me: why are the emmys in such a small room without masks and no ventilation during a pandemic (30 seconds later) seth rogen: why are we in such a small room without masks and no ventilation during a pandemic,” one confused fan wrote.
“No distancing, no masks. Clearly a slap in the face for all the font line workers that are still dealing with the pandemic. Check your privilege @TheEmmys#Emmys,” another said.
One chimed in, “No Masks at the #Emmys because rules are for the little people.”
Another blatantly added, “It sucks that there are no masks at the Emmys. Missed opportunity and also you can catch COVID and die.”
“Help the no masks at emmys is making me nervous theres so many people,” one user wrote.
One viewer said, “No masks being worn INSIDE at The Emmys. Call me not shocked, love to preach but not practice what they preach…”
The Emmys weren’t the only big Hollywood event that got fans upset over the pandemic rules. The Met Gala earlier this month also sent viewers into a frenzy. Nicki Minaj even opted not to attend the gala because guests were required to show proof of vaccination.