Emmy Awards 2024: Steal-Worthy Event Design Details From TV's Biggest Night

The first stop of the night for many A-listers was the Television Academy’s own Governors Gala, which took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event—once again designed and produced by Cheryl Cecchetto and her team at Sequoia Productions under the direction of the Television Academy—appropriately took on a “Rhapsody in Gold” theme to mark the award show’s 75th anniversary. The gala featured a gold, black, and white background reflecting the ebony and ivory shades of classic Hollywood and art deco styles, intended as a salute to the signature black-tie affairs of yesteryear.

Studio Left handled art direction, Bill Ferrell Company handled design and construction, Matt Ringer served as technical director, and ShowPro handled audio and lighting.

The black and white palette was highlighted by splashes of Emmy-inspired gold, including 250 linear feet of gold chain curtains that cascaded from two stories above the floor. At the apex of the room, a massive Emmy statuette reached 24 feet above the guests; it was accompanied by four nine-foot versions positioned on a central, tiered platform. A 40-foot-diameter carpet at the base of the Emmy centerpiece was a custom-made black and white pinwheel.

"Our goal was to mark this amazing milestone of Emmy’s 75th anniversary with a historic celebration bringing the industry together in recognition of the tens of thousands of people who play key roles in telling great stories that enthrall international audiences," said Television Academy President and CEO Maury McIntyre in a press release.

Ten truckloads of specially curated furniture with gold accenting—2,000 pieces in all—created eclectic seating groups throughout the space, a departure from the traditional seated dinner that intended to promote movement, mixing, and mingling. Specialty furniture included bars, dinner chairs, settees, chaise lounges, sofas, and stand-up tables. Furniture groupings were adorned with 600 custom-made tablecloths in nine sparkling variations of hue and texture. Rentals came from Bright Event Rentals, Hire Elegance, Edge Design and Decor, Event Carpet Pro, Barker Decor, and Dazian, while linens were provided by BBJ La Tavola and Resource One.

“As with any epic milestone occasion like this, we wanted to fuse just the right mixture of history with contemporary culture to create something memorable and historic in its own right,” explained Cecchetto.

The event also featured 1,050 bunches of Daniel Ost-inspired long-stemmed calla lilies from CJ Matsumoto & Sons. There were 10,500 blooms in all, held in a variety of vases.

Over the course of three nights—both the main Emmys night and following the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Jan. 6 and 7—roughly 7,600 guests enjoyed an evolving presentation of 30,000 servings of small plates and hors d’oeuvres from a variety of celebrity chefs, as well as Levy Restaurants and Savore, all under the direction of Sarah Bencivenga. There was also a photo op from 4DE and entertainment from Downbeat Agency, while Icarus handled rigging and JRM handled security.

This year’s Disney Emmys party leaned into the winter season with an “Après Fête”-themed after-party, held at Otium in Downtown Los Angeles. Designers and producers Sterling Engagements drew inspiration from the chic ambiance of an East Coast boutique hotel mingled with a West Coast wine country aesthetic, using a palette of rich leathers, woods, layered textiles, and darker metals accented with neutral florals and greens. ENSO Creative handled floral design and fabrication, while Amber Event Production handled lighting design and draping and Luxe Linen provided linens. Rentals were provided by Bright Event Rentals, Found Rental Co., Edge Design and Decor, and Hire Elegance.

"Returning to Otium and The Broad always gives me great pleasure as a designer," said Alexandra Rembac, founder and creative director of Sterling Engagements. "To nestle ourselves amongst such a unique footprint between the two locations and custom-build our own pop-up venue across 14 days—from start of install through strike—is no small task. Now add returning for the third time with the consistent goal of always doing it differently and better! But, we’re always up for the challenge and inspired by the surrounding architecture, building finishings, and of course landscape. Not to mention Chef Tim’s incredible cuisine; he and his team always go the extra mile to dream up a menu that cohesively integrates the F&B experience into our vision."

"A winter layer and seasonal weather added so much goodness and maybe a few extra logistical dynamics to this year's design," added Rembac. "We were fortunate to be able to lean into some new textiles and textures we often aren’t able to as effortlessly play with in September, like creamy velvets, irresistible boucle, an abundance of handwoven knits, rich cognac leather, and warmer wood tones. Fluted wood details and brass tones helped elevate the look, which also worked so well with Otium’s interior and The Broad’s exterior designs."

The party's largest space took over Hope Plaza, which was designed as a sophisticated winter sanctuary. The spotlight was the ceiling installation, where poly chiffon draping in monochromatic tones created a decorative display under a tent from Avalon Tent. Guests in this space enjoyed live entertainment from Bob Gail Music.

The Broad Lawn, meanwhile, was designed to evoke a luxe ski lodge with rich tones, lush greens, and unique floral combinations. The team described the event's furnishings as a blend of contemporary luxury and seasonal comfort. Pops of glimmer were brought in through mirrors, candlelight, and lighting throughout the space.

In this space, guests enjoyed tunes from DJ Kennedy. NEP Sweetwater handled AV while Event Carpet Pros handled carpet and flooring throughout the event.

"This year, we really wanted to approach the design through some different mediums and shift focus to larger, more impactful above-eye-level moments," explained Rembac. "Working hard to ensure each tent had its own unique vibe and personality—their ceilings assisted us in adding just the right amount of drama and wow to the environment. Fabricated by ENSO Creative, Shawna and her team knocked these out of the park. The added texture and dreamy illumination they each commanded were showstoppers, and we loved how different each one was from the next."

Otium and Chef Tim Hollingsworth provided food and beverages throughout the night, with Shannon Warner Events handling F&B production. Other vendors included subfloor and stairs from Special Event Contractors, graphic design from Amy Glaser Design, and printing production from Gen X Graphics. Chuck's Parking handled valet, 24/7 Event Services handled security, and Bella Luna Restrooms and 1st Jon provided the event's bathrooms.

A tunnel entrance moment featured a photographer who captured a portrait of each guest; attendees could scan a QR code to get their photos post-event.

"Due to weather, out of an abundance of caution, we called a cold weather plan which ended up adding a warmer enclosed entrance to our guest walkways," said Rembac. "It also bonused us an extra foyer space as you approached our larger tent, which Amber Event Productions draped in a dreamy olive velvet drape and adorned the corridor with wrought iron chandeliers that illuminated the entrance. This became the perfect arrivals and departure meeting point where guests gathered in passing."

Press wall fabrication was handled by 3 Line Productions, and trees and plants throughout the party came from Jackson Shrub Supply.

"Our press wall was one of my favorite moments of the evening," said Rembac. "We worked with Jen and Erin at 3 Line and they really ran with the design, bringing our fluted wood vision to life with such artful sophistication. Enso then accented the ends of our lush vanilla oat carpet with a collective of varying planter boxes and uniquely shaped stone vessels filled with what I detailed as 'vineyard greens' to soften the wall and add some aromatic texture to the design."

One of the evening’s most popular stops was the HBO | Max Nominees Reception, which was held at San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood. The invite-only party drew the casts of Succession, The White Lotus, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Last Week Tonight, and more; it was designed and produced by Bespoke Bohéme.

"We've been so fortunate to work with the HBO | Max team the past three years on their iconic Emmy viewing and after-party," said Kate Mazzuca, the experiential agency's founder and CEO. "In returning to the Bungalows, one of our biggest creative opportunities was finding new ways to create surprise elements at a venue that so many boldfaced names know so well. ... [It's] the quintessential LA spot, so we leaned into their chic, 'quiet luxury' aesthetic—which also matched the tone of HBO award-winning shows like Succession and The White Lotus, among others."

Upon arrival, each guest was handed a map of the venue, leading them through a variety of unique F&B pop-ups and entertainment moments—including performances from DJ Este Haim (who curated an exclusive playlist for the evening, which was accessible on the map via QR code) and DJ Mike Taylor.

"My philosophy for high-end experiential design is similar to the way I look at interiors, focusing on a constant play between color, texture, pattern, and light while finding holistic ways to reimagine any given space,” said Mazzuca. "Texture played a big role throughout, in both our lounge vignettes as well as our custom-made navy bouclé HBO | Max letters on this year's 'blue' carpet."

The move from September to January also played into Mazzuca's design decisions, she noted. "We wanted guests to feel cozy, and like they were at the most fabulous house party," she said. "With that, we chose a rich but muted palette of deep navy, union blue, and a color I've dubbed 'French sapphire,' with pops of warm, oatmeal beiges, and punctuated by olive green, deep rust, and a soft peachy cinnamon."

As for the lighting design? "We went with a soft, dreamy palette in warm whites, gold, and ambers, along with big, dense, fluffy florals in tawny peaches and warm blush tones," Mazzuca explained. "Similar to what we are seeing in fashion and interiors, I'm gravitating toward more sophisticated, neutral palettes and am looking for high-quality furniture with interesting materials, so our environments look more permanent and residential and less 'event-y.'"

In addition to Bespoke Bohéme, vendors included fabrication by 3 Line Productions, florals from Floral Crush Studio, lighting from Shine On Lighting Co., and AV from Launch.

Different spaces throughout the venue hosted a custom sandwich station from renowned Italian sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio, caviar cones from Caviar Kaspia LA, and specialty cocktails from mixologist Rosemarie Ruiz of Stayin’ Gold Cocktails.

Another highlight? Pastry chef Jena Derman and mixologist Jack Schramm teamed up for the LA debut of Brooklyn's Solid Wiggles, which reimagined the nostalgic Jell-O shot into edible works of art. Made in sheets and cut into bite-size shots to order, Solid Wiggles' handcrafted cocktail jellies were served in scallop shells.

Guests could also get custom portraits drawn on napkins by Brooklyn-based artist Napkin Killa.

A screening room at San Vicente Bungalows was used for live karaoke with local pub rock band Goodtime Boys.

“We aimed to create an unforgettable evening filled with surprises for our nominees and friends from HBO and Max, capturing the essence of Old Hollywood while embracing the excitement of the new,” said Jen Weinberg, SVP of talent relations, events, and awards for HBO and Max. “It truly was a joyous celebration of all the Emmy wins for HBO and Max."

Also on Monday night, Apple TV+ hosted a star-studded reception at Mother Wolf in Hollywood. The event drew the casts and producers of hit Apple TV+ shows, including Jason Sudeikis from Ted Lasso (pictured), Harrison Ford from Shrinking, Jon Hamm from The Morning Show, and Kurt and Wyatt Russell from Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

The party featured special performances by DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) spinning an all-vinyl set, joined by a live horn section, as well as DJ Kiss. Mother Wolf served classic Italian favorites from renowned chef Evan Funke.

The celebrations started earlier in the weekend when the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF)—a charitable organization that offers assistance and care to entertainment workers in need—hosted its 17th annual “Evening Before” benefit on Jan. 13. Co-chaired by Quinta Brunson and Bob Odenkirk, this year’s event raised over $2.5 million. The star-studded gathering was designed by Studio Komorebi to evoke a "relaxed town square atmosphere," with specialty food provided by Carmelized Productions by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo and entertainment from DJ Daisy O'Dell.

Also on Jan. 13, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosted the BAFTA Tea Party at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. The event was presented by partners Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions. Attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Jeffrey Wright, and Mark Ruffalo.

Kathy Hilton co-hosted a pre-Emmys cocktail reception for GLAAD at her private residence on Jan. 10. Co-hosted with GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, the event celebrated "the future of representation" ahead of GLAAD’s historic Governors Award Emmy Honor, which recognized GLAAD’s work over nearly four decades to secure fair, accurate, and diverse representation of the LGBTQ community in the media and entertainment industries.

Josh Johnson of Josh Johnson Home designed the Backstage Creations Giving Suite for the 75th Emmy Awards, which benefited the Television Academy Foundation. Stars including Angela Bassett, Geena Davis, Alex Borstein, Danny DeVito, Niecy Nash, Kelsey Grammer, and Rob McElhenney stopped by to support the Academy and lounge in the “Hollywood Glam” suite.