Jimmy Kimmel Confirms Seth Rogen’s Theory That the Actor Was Banned From Presenting at the Emmys

Jimmy Kimmel cleared up a lingering question that Seth Rogen had about his participation in the annual Emmy Awards.

The 43-year-old comedian won big at the 2025 Emmys with his show, The Studio, in September. He personally picked up Emmys in the Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series categories. Meanwhile, the show won Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, and Bryan Cranston took home a win for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

However, during a Monday, Oct. 6, appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 57-year-old late-night host addressed Rogen’s theory that he had been banned from presenting at the awards show after doing so in September 2021 when he went off-script and addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I presented there, I think it was four years ago at this point, and I have not been invited back,” Rogen, 43, said, prompting Kimmel to remind the audience of what happened when the actor took the stage.

“You said, and this is a direct quote: ‘Let me start by saying there’s way too many of us in this little room. What are they doing? They said this was outdoors. It is not. They lied to us. We are in a hermetically sealed tent right now. I would not have come to this. Why is there a roof?'”

Kimmel acknowledged that Rogen’s comments were met with applause at the event. While the host implied that the event took place “at the tail-end of COVID,” Rogen replied, “It was in the thick of COVID, from my recollection.”

“It was true. They lied. They did lie. It said outdoor event, and I went,” Rogen insisted, adding, “And I had all intention of doing the dumb schtick that they had written for me. And then I showed up, and I was like, ‘We’re in a tent. I can’t ignore this. We’re going to kill these old … Eugene Levy’s here. We’re going to kill Eugene Levy. I don’t want to do that.'”

He recalled that producers at the time were “outwardly pissed off” after he left the stage.

Rogen said that he knew producers for the show had changed, but he hypothesized that his comments led to him not being invited back.

“Can I tell you something? I checked today because, you know, I’ve hosted the Emmys quite a few times. And you are indeed banned from presenting,” Kimmel replied.

Rogen initially responded by shouting, “I’m with you. I’m like you,” referencing Kimmel’s brief suspension from the air in September. “They’re trying to silence me.”

However, Rogen added, “I went very off-book and made them look bad, so I get that.”

At the time, Emmys executive producer Ian Stewart weighed in on Rogen’s remarks while speaking with Variety.

“We have worked for months and months to make that a safe space,” Stewart said. “We’ve worked with all the health authorities. We were signed off by LA County, we came up with a plan with them. Those tables were distanced. Everyone was vaccinated. Everyone was negative tested in that audience. And also he had rehearsed.”

He continued, saying, “So he knew exactly what it was. So, I just felt it was an unfortunate misdirect from him.”

“Because it wasn’t just our decision. This is the health authorities’ decision as well, to say that it’s a completely safe environment if you do all those things,” Stewart added.

In August 2021, the Television Academy announced that they planned to reduce crowds on the red carpet at the ceremony.

“Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of Emmy nominees, guests and media, the number of production personnel and staff must be limited at this year’s 73rd Emmy Awards,” the organization said in a statement.

Only 12 media outlets were present on the carpet, which was described as “very limited.” Instead of having more people present in person, the organization favored virtual media opportunities.

Days later, the Academy noted that they were changing up plans for the awards show, which was supposed to be held in Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. To ensure better social distancing, the show was moved to L.A. Live’s Event Deck for what was described as an “indoor/outdoor” model.

The Academy also reduced the number of guests that were invited to the show, acknowledging that it meant some nominees would be unable to attend.

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“The health and safety of our nominees is of paramount importance,” a statement continued. “Conversations are ongoing, and we will provide further information as it is available. The Television Academy appreciates everyone’s understanding as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 delta variant.”

While picking up his acting Emmy at the 2025 ceremony, Rogen revealed that he had not prepared an acceptance speech, saying, “I’ve never won anything in my life.”

“Thank you to my wife, my mother, everyone who works on the show, my agents, my managers, the writers, everyone who guest-starred on the show,” he continued. “Thank you so much. This is really just so lovely. And I don’t know, I don’t know what to say. This is so nice. Thank you. I appreciate you all. Have a good one!”