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Emmys 2020: Awards go virtual amid coronavirus pandemic

Regardless of who wins, it’ll be an Emmys like no other this year, as the annual TV awards show goes virtual in order to keep Hollywood’s finest safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In lieu of the traditional red carpet and those flashing paparazzi lights, celebrities are marking the occasion with a trip down memory lane, sharing photos from Emmys shows past.

Nicole Kidman in 2017 with her Emmy Award
Nicole Kidman accepts the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for "Big Little Lies" onstage during the 69th Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theatre on September 17, 2017. Photo: Getty Images

Demi Moore proved she is indeed famously friendly with her ex, sharing a photo of her accompanying ex-husband Bruce Willis to the Emmys in 1987.

The unconventional get-up worn by Willis, who won that year for his performance as Moonlighting’s wise-cracking sleuth David Addison, got a laugh from the couple’s middle daughter, Scout Willis, who quipped, “OMG Dad’s coat is sending me” underneath her actress mom’s Instagram post.

Actress Demi Moore and actor Bruce Willis attend the 39th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20, 1987 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
Demi Moore was feeling nostalgic, as she posted a picture to her Instagram of her and ex-husband Bruce Willis at the 1987 Emmy Awards. Photo: Getty Images
 Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones attend the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Catherine Zeta Jones also posted an image to her Instagram of her and Michael Douglas at the 2019 Emmy Awards. Photo: Getty Images

Still-going-strong couple Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake shared an affectionate moment in a photo from the 2018 Emmys, when she was nominated for The Sinner.

“Once upon a time, a long LONG time ago … Mom and Dad put on some real clothes and stayed out past midnight,” wrote Biel, who has reportedly recently welcomed the couple’s second child.

Justin Timberlake and actor Jessica Biel attend the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2018.
Jessica Biel posted this image to her Instagram page from the 2018 Emmy Awards with Justin Timberlake. Photo: Getty Images
Kerry Washington on her way to the 2019 Emmy Awards
Kerry Washington shared this throwback from the 2019 Emmys on her Instagram account. Photo: Instagram/kerrywashington

Catherine Zeta-Jones also posted a throwback pic as she cheered on husband Michael Douglas, a nominee for The Kominsky Method.

Kerry Washington — already an Emmy winner this year thanks to Little Fires Everywhere — Mindy Kaling and Tracee Ellis Ross also looked back at past shows while reflecting on how much has changed over the past year. “Remember wearing heels and a dress?” cracked Brooke Shields. “Me either.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye — which took home an Emmy in 2019 — decided to play dress-up from home. The reality star posed in a wide-brimmed sun hat, icy blue satin dress and heels for what he dubbed his “Emmy Look 2020.”

Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman and Toni Collette are among five Australians up for awards at this year's pandemic-friendly Primetime Emmy Awards, which will come complete with hazmat tuxedos.

Jackman is up for best lead actor in HBO's Bad Education and Blanchett for lead actress in FX's Mrs America in the limited series or movie category.

Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye at the 2020 Emmy Awards
Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye — which took home an Emmy in 2019 — decided to play dress-up from home. The reality star posed in a wide-brimmed sun hat, icy blue satin dress and heels for what he dubbed his “Emmy Look 2020.” Photo: Instagram/jvn

Collette (Netflix's Unbelievable) and Sarah Snook (HBO's Succession) are nominated in supporting actress categories, while Tony McNamara is in contention for writing in a comedy series (Hulu's The Great).

Winners at the 72nd annual ceremony will have to celebrate at home for health and safety reasons due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, US broadcaster ABC says some trophy presenters "may be visiting some of the winners live" in specially designed hazmat tuxedos.

The awards will be live on Sunday night (10am on Monday Australian time) with host Jimmy Kimmel recording from Los Angeles while nominees, presenters and winners will appear from around the globe.

Producers had earlier sent more than 150 video kits to screen talent to help them produce the show at home.

Reporting by Erin Donnelly, AAP and Reuters

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