The 2021 Emmy Awards are more than two months away, but when viewers tune in, they will be greeted by Cedric the Entertainer. The comedian has been tapped to host the coveted awards ceremony, which celebrates talented nominees and outstanding programs on television.

The gig marks Cedric the Entertainer’s first time hosting the Emmy Awards, which will be returning to a live in-person format. The 2020 award show was held virtually without a host amid the coronavirus pandemic and consisted of winners sharing their acceptance speeches through video.

However, the 73rd Emmy Awards will take place in person with a limited audience made up of nominees and their guests as Cedric the Entertainer will hold the more traditional role as host.

“Since I was a little boy huddled up next to my grandmother, television has always been my reliable friend, so it is an enormous honor for me to host this year's Emmy Awards,” Cedric the Entertainer said in a statement.

“Throughout the roller-coaster of a year that we have all lived through, television has helped us stay connected as a society like never before. It not only entertained us, but as it always has, it helped to open our eyes, educate us, and hopefully brought about a better understanding of who we are as a people. I can’t wait to take the stage to celebrate all of the great shows and performances that made us laugh, cry, dance, and sing over the past year.”

This year, a diverse group of programs and actors have been recognized with HBO leading with 130 nominations, followed by Netflix with 129 nominations.

“Television has provided a lifeline for so many around the globe this year, delivering a constant source of entertainment, information, and inspiration during some of our most difficult days,” Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to honor the diversity of storytelling in television today by recognizing talented artists, programs, producers, directors, and craftspeople throughout our industry and celebrating their commitment to this extraordinary medium.”

The 73rd Emmy Awards will air Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Actors Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs and Cedric the Entertainer -- stars of CBS's "The Neighborhood" -- are taking on racial justice in America this season, but not the coronavirus pandemic
Actors Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs and Cedric the Entertainer -- stars of CBS's "The Neighborhood" -- are taking on racial justice in America this season, but not the coronavirus pandemic AFP / VALERIE MACON
RELATED STORIES