On today’s episode of the Daily Variety podcast, we hear from John Brockett, executive producer and showrunner of Sunday’s Actor Awards. The kudocast veteran talks about producing live events for Netflix without strict time constraints, introducing host Kristen Bell, paying homage to Harrison Ford’s long career, and evoking vintage Hollywood glamor.
This year marks the third time Netflix has won the acting award. Brockett says the move to the streaming giant “gives us a lot more freedom because there was always this pressure of having to be at work at 11 o’clock Eastern time and not being able to go after that. Our goal with Netflix was to give the show a little bit more breathing room.”
At the same time, Brockett emphasizes, producers are aware that they want to keep the audience warm.
“In my opinion, no one wants another three or three-and-a-half hour awards ceremony. I like that it’s about two hours because we’re like a sprint. We’re not a marathon. People come out and have a great time and watch the show. That’s it. It’s not this long battle for other awards that might not be what people want to see. We’re all actors. That’s one of the things we’re all about,” Brockett says.
Brockett promised that Kristen Bell, who will be hosting for the third time, will once again open the show with a musical number featuring timely lyrics about the current state of Hollywood and a variety of other topics.
“The goal is to make it even better than last year’s opening number,” Brockett says. “We’re really excited because she’s such a charming and funny person. She’s just the whole package.”
Another element Brockett hopes will stand out to viewers this year is a conscious effort to evoke old Hollywood glamor as a theme that continues throughout the night, both on set and in the dresses and formal wear worn by guests.
“Part of our approach to this year’s show is escapism,” he says. “For two hours, or three hours if you include the red carpet show, sit back, enjoy every moment on the carpet, enjoy every moment of the show. Step away from thinking about what’s going on in the world and enjoy this evening’s live TV, Netflix.”
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