Why The Emmys Matter, If It Wasn't Obvious Already

Regardless of the topic at hand, you're always going to have naysayers out there who want to say that thing is dumb and meaningless. Hollywood awards shows are no different, and I really don't get the negativity. Following the 2015 Emmy nominations on Thursday morning, there have been plenty of detractors on social media, as per usual, who expressed their outrage at their favorite actors and shows being snubbed — or their outright apathy — by calling the entire Emmys operations a sham and claiming that the awards are "meaningless" and "a joke." Of course, if awards shows aren't your thing, by all means, feel free not to tune in. However, not having a personal affection for something doesn't make it dumb by default, and the Emmys are actually pretty awesome.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure about the thinking that goes into branding shows like the Emmys, which honor the people responsible for making the shows we spend hours in front of our TVs/laptop screens/iPads/etc. watching, pointless. After all, the series we become addicted to are not just mindless entertainment, they're entire worlds that we're lucky enough to be let into, and they represent the imagination and hard work of everyone involved with getting those shows on the air. Why doesn't that deserve our appreciation?

Of course, it's cool to be cynical these days, so I get the whole "everything is futile" attitude when it comes to entertainment, even if I don't particularly agree with it. If offering recognition to those who create the shows that entertain and inspire us is pointless via gaudy golden statues is pointless, then are the naysayers thereby saying that the shows themselves are a joke? I doubt that; the "I'm too cool to own a TV" brand of hipsterism has been played out for years, and I don't know a single person who doesn't have a favorite show. And of course, we haven't even taken into account the fact that the creativity of our favorite shows inspire creativity in the fans that watch them, as well. You only have to look at the overwhelming amount of fanfiction and fan art online to see the wonderful communities that develop around series — even ones that are overlooked by the Emmys.

The Emmys are important because they spotlight the incredible diversity and innovation that TV brings us on a daily basis. In 2015, more nominations were given to older women, people of color and original, boundary-pushing programming than ever before, and this is something we should be proud of.

Transparent for Outstanding Comedy Series

Hello? Jill Solloway's show about an LA family who discovers that their father, played by Jeffrey Tambor, is transgender is incredible, and the fact that it's being recognized by Emmy voters is well worth celebrating.

Viola Davis & Taraji P. Henson For Lead Actress in a Drama

Black women have been killing it on TV for years, but they're only just starting to crack the surface in getting the Emmy nods they deserve.

Lily Tomlin For Best Actress In A Comedy

Lily Tomlin is 75 years old and STILL DOING HER THING. Sorry, what's "retirement"? I don't think so!

Tituss Burgess For Best Supporting Actor In A Comedy

Don't act like Tituss isn't the best new face you've discovered this year. Don't do it, because I won't believe you.

And that's just to name a few.

Our entertainment should always be a representation of the world we live in, and choosing to applaud that is a special occasion that really only comes once a year, when the awards are handed out. It reflects our daily lives and serves as a reminder of a medium that makes us laugh, cry, think, and most importantly, that makes us tune in with a near religious fervor as we desperately wait to see what's going to happen next. Now tell me again why that's pointless?

Image: Getty Images; Giphy (4)