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    1. Culture
    2. TV shows

    2020 Emmys: The Most Awkward, WTF, and Confusing Moments

    Two words: hazmat tuxedos.

    By Neha Prakash
    Published 21 September 2020 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards
    (Image credit: Getty Images/ABC)
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    The 2020 Emmys are proof that we're all just trying our best this year, even Hollywood. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the 72nd Emmys took on a unique format that resulted in several head-scratching and what-were-they-thinking moments. With Jimmy Kimmel at the helm, the show featured several creative efforts to maintain social distancing, including 130 livestreams from the homes of nominees instead of a live audience. (Kimmel and select presenters still did bits from the Staples Center in LA.) Some moments still managed to be heartwarming (looking at you, Dan Levy), but several other moments didn't exactly work. Take a look at our list of the most awkward and confusing moments of the award show. Hey, at least it was still entertaining?

    1. The Hazmat Tuxedos

    2020 emmys

    (Image credit: ABC)

    In an effort to safely deliver Emmys to winners, the 2020 Emmys deployed trophy presenters clad in hazmat suits. But this is an award show after all, so the hazmat suits were made to resemble tuxes. It's a pandemic vibe.

    2. And what happens when you lose the Emmy...

    A post shared by ramy youssef (@ramy)

    A photo posted by on

    Ramy Youssef gave fans a peek at how incredibly and equally uncomfortable it is when you lose the Emmy and the hazmat tux guy has to leave.

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    3. When Jennifer Aniston Had to Put Out a Fire 

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards

    (Image credit: Getty Images/Image Group LA)

    During a bit, Emmys' host Jimmy Kimmel started a fire that presenter and nominee Jennifer Aniston had to help put out—only the fire didn't want to go out so easily, forcing the duo to battle some unexpectedly large flames.

    4. The Most Extra Hand Sanitizer of All Time 

    2020 emmys

    (Image credit: ABC)

    Production turned an Emmy award in a very fancy hand sanitizer dispenser. I don't not want one.

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    5. That Not-OK ICE Joke 

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards

    (Image credit: Getty Imaghes/ABC)

    After Kimmel lost his Emmy category to John Oliver he joked he's be calling ICE in the morning. Uh, not cool Jimmy...

    6. The Fake Audience 

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards

    (Image credit: Getty Images/Image Group LA)

    The 2020 Emmys kicked off with a truly puzzling bang, with production splicing footage of last year's audience reacting and laughing into Jimmy's monologue. It left viewers confused for a hot minute that show actually had a real audience in attendance. Kimmel revealed after about 10 minutes that it was all a joke, but it was a strange start nonetheless.

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    7. The Alpaca Presenter 

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards

    (Image credit: Getty Images/ABC)

    Randall Park presented the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie alongside an alpaca. For no reason. Confusing, but cute.

    8. No Live Audience = No Laughs

    walt disney television's coverage of the 72nd annual emmy awards

    (Image credit: Getty Images/ABC)

    Because Kimmel was hosting to an empty room, the majority of his jokes and other bits were followed by deafening silence instead of laughter from the audience.

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    Neha Prakash
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    Entertainment Director

    Neha Prakash is Marie Claire's Entertainment Director, where she edits, writes, and ideates culture and current event features with a focus on elevating diverse voices and stories in film and television. She steers and books the brand's print and digital covers as well as oversees the talent and production on MC's video franchises like "How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?" and flagship events, including the Power Play summit. Since joining the team in early 2020, she's produced entertainment packages, helped oversee SEO content, commissioned op-eds from notable writers, and penned widely-shared celebrity profiles. She also assists with social coverage around major red carpet events, having conducted interviews at the Met Gala, Oscars, and Golden Globes. Follow her on Instagram @nehapk.

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