Seth Rogen says what we all think of the Emmys this year

Seth Rogen provided a surprising reality check for anyone hoping the 2021 Emmy Awards would mark a full return to pre-pandemic Hollywood glamor.

The “Neighbors” actor hinted that he had doubts about his decision to attend Sunday’s ceremony as he took the stage to present the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

“Let me start by saying that there are far too many of us in this little room,” Rogen said, eliciting a nervous laugh from the crowd. “What are we doing? They said it was outside. It’s not! They lied to us.

“We are currently in a hermetically sealed tent,” he continued. “I wouldn’t have come to this. Why is there a roof? It’s more important to have three chandeliers than to make sure you don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight … It’s crazy. I went from wiping my groceries to Paul Bettany’s sneezing in his face – so it’s a big week!

Rogen’s comment garnered much praise on social media. Many viewers admitted that they felt uncomfortable watching so many A-List stars present in what appeared to be one room as the delta variant of COVID-19 continues to soar in the world. whole world.

The 2021 Emmy Awards were very different from last year’s ceremony, which was a mostly virtual affair. This year, the event was held at the LA Live Event Deck in Los Angeles to accommodate more social distancing measures.

The prizes were expected to attract around 500 entrants, all of whom had to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. That’s a far cry from the 7,000 that can fill the Microsoft Theater, where the ceremony is usually held. Due to international travel restrictions, a satellite viewing party was held at Soho House in London and brought together nominees like Gillian Anderson and Olivia Colman.

Still, Rogen’s remarks seemed to catch Emmys producers off guard. After a commercial break, host Cedric the Entertainer countered the actor’s claims by specifying that everyone present did so in accordance with previously stated protocols.

“You had to get vaxxed to come here,” Cedric said. “I got vaxxed. I didn’t have a reaction like Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend, okay? I have Pfizer, you know what I’m saying? Because I am a candle. He’s the Neiman Marcus of vaccines.