Seth Rogen seems to have ruffled some feathers at the Television Academy.
While appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” the star of “The Studio” expressed his suspicion that he has been blacklisted from presenting at the Emmys, following a scripted award presentation in 2021 where he deviated from the script.
“I have this theory,” Rogen stated. “I presented there, I think it was about four years ago now, and I haven’t received an invitation to return since.”
At the time of the 2021 ceremony, COVID protocols were quite stringent. However, Rogen recounted that the precautions were not as thoroughly enforced as described, as he found himself in a tent packed with numerous attendees.
“First off, there are way too many of us in this tiny space,” he explained. “What’s going on here? They reassured us this was an outdoor event. It’s not; they misled us. We were in a tightly sealed tent. Had I known, I probably wouldn’t have attended. Why is there a roof?”
He continued, “It was true! They lied. It said it was an ‘Outdoor event.’ I intended to perform the silly skit they had written for me, but then I arrived and thought, ‘We’re in a tent. I can’t just overlook this… Eugene Levy is here! Are we really going to jeopardize Eugene Levy’s health? I don’t want to do that.’”
Rogen mentioned that the producers were visibly upset with him afterward.
Jimmy Kimmel, a veteran host of the Emmys, quipped at his guest’s expense, noting, “I checked today, and I can confirm you are indeed banned from presenting after hosting the Emmys multiple times.”
“I’ve been blacklisted,” Rogen replied. “Just like you; they’re attempting to silence me. It’s a losing battle.”
Despite joking about his seeming exclusion, Rogen conceded, “I totally went off-script and made them look unprofessional. I understand why they’re upset.”
Even if he may be barred from presenting the Emmy awards, Rogen isn’t restricted from winning them. The industry comedy on Apple TV+, “The Studio,” which he both created and stars in, topped the 2025 Emmys with a staggering 13 wins, including best comedy series and lead actor in a comedy series.
