Empty seats and no red carpet: the Emmys in the age of coronavirus

 Laverne Cox presents the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series to Eddie Murphy for "Saturday Night Live"

Credit: Invision

Traditionally one of the most glittering events in the showbusiness calendar, the 72nd Emmy Awards looked rather different last night.

The Covid-19 “new normal” meant that any red carpet was in the imagination and the auditorium of the Staples Centre in the heart of Los Angeles was pretty much empty rather than brimming with celebrities dressed up to the nines.

In fact, the dress code was strictly informal with many of the nominees watching the proceedings, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, unfold from their living rooms.

They were given some guidance by the Television Academy, which sent the equipment needed to turn their homes into an improvised studio.

But even with the most sophisticated of kit, the producers were at the mercy of the strength of the wi-fi signal.

In a nod to fashion costume designer Katja Cahill and executive producer Guy Carrington created a bespoke “hazmat tuxedo” for trophy presenters who delivered awards in person.

With the event starting at 8 pm New York time, there was also the logistical problem of presenting awards in the early hours of the morning to recipients in Europe.

A leaked letter suggested that they might opt for designer pyjamas as they accepted the awards from their bedroom.

This was just as well for a raft of British nominees including Olivia Colman for her portrayal of the Queen in The Crown.

Others flying the flag for the UK television industry included Helena Bonham Carter, for her performance as Princess Margaret in The Crown, Thandie Newton for her performance in Westworld.

John Oliver, the British writer and satirist, was nominated for “Last Week Tonight”.

Scottish actor, Brian Cox, was among the nominees for best actor for his performance in the HBO series, Succession.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator of Fleabag, was shortlisted for best guest actress in a comedy series following her hosting an episode of the long-running US comedy series, Saturday Night Live.

Succession was tipped to scoop the award for best drama series. Other nominees included The Crown, Better Call Saul, Killing Eve and the Handmaid’s Tale.