“The Morning Show” is nominated for 11 Primetime Emmys Sunday night for its award-worthy, realistic depiction of news anchor dedication: traveling at the drop of a hat, navigating newsroom power dynamics and handling constant public perception all while forfeiting a regular sleep schedule. In fact, it’s so accurate that for the “Good Morning America” crew — the real coverage has already begun.
On September 13, at a crisp 3:42 a.m., “Good Morning America” producers Abigail Shalawylo and Florinda Ricks ushered a crowd, many being USC students, through the L.A. Live plaza. Coffee swirled in to-go cups while approaching the live audience check-in for the Emmys red carpet special episode.
Despite the early hour, the soon-to-be TV extras donned elegant cocktail attire and chatted eagerly about what to expect. Going to school in Hollywood’s backyard certainly has its perks.
“I only got two or three hours of sleep, but that’s better than nothing,” said M.S. journalism student Daniella Lake. “It’s such a big event and especially because we’re in the media industry, it was a no-brainer to say yes.”
After mingling by the box office, students held in sighs of awe while being escorted down the red carpet trimmed with velvet rope. At its end, two large panels covered in greenery and adorned with gold letters spelling out “GMA” stood on either side of a pair of chairs. There sat Robin Roberts, expertly reviewing scripts and receiving touch-ups simultaneously while massive Emmy award statues towered behind her.
“As someone who grew up watching award shows and wondering, ‘How do I get to do that?,’ it was thrilling to meet the ‘GMA’ crew,” said senior journalism major Irene Kim. “Coming to the live taping reminded me that my goals as an on-air host are achievable and can be just as fun as I imagined.”
Wearing six-inch heels and a silky green, black and gold pantsuit ensemble, Roberts made teasing fan favorites her runway. She gushed over a post-interview dinner invite from Carol Burnett of “Palm Royale” as well as conversations with the casts of “Abbott Elementary” and “Shōgun.” She held, well, hugged, an Emmy award, joking about how much heavier they are than they look.
A few student audience members received signs shaped like Emmys (much lighter to carry), and the three tallest were handed additional glittery “GMA” letters as props to hold for live shots with Roberts, Connelly and Will Reeves. Kecia Stewart, floor manager for “GMA,” directed a choir of cheering students through passionate jazz hands behind rolling cameras.
There were two things “GMA” could never have enough of: smiles and energy. Both were present as students joined the hosts to shout an enthusiastic, “Good Morning America!”
During takes where audience members were not needed, students had a photo-op on the red carpet in front of a Hulu, ABC and Emmy logo-filled backdrop. They also got to witness a quick change from Reeve — styled by Emmy award-winning TV personality Lilliana Vazquez — for a show segment that featured him modeling an outfit inspired by Carmy’s character from “The Bear.”
After wrapping with a final goodbye shot close to 6 a.m., students took a group photo with Roberts, Connelly and Reeve. After which, Roberts insisted that each student get their own individual photo with the three of them as a thank you for waking up so early to participate.
“Red carpet specials are always going to be important no matter what. My family and I’s favorite part of award shows is watching the live red carpet coverage,” said junior communication major Connor Wyckoff. “It’s a behind-the-scenes look into one of the biggest events of the year in real-time, which is something streaming can’t do.”
The Emmys will be live on ABC at 5 p.m. PST on Sunday and available to stream next-day on Hulu.