Venice News Today — September 15, 2026
Stephen Colbert Says ‘Free Speech Is Alive and Well’ After Emmy Win Despite CBS Cancellation: Late Night Is ‘Just as Vital as it Ever Has Been’ and more — today's venice signal.
The Emmy Awards are always a celebration of the best in television, but this year's ceremony was especially notable for its emphasis on resilience and the power of the medium to bring people together. Despite the challenges faced by some late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert, who saw his show cancelled by CBS, the comedian was in high spirits after winning an Emmy, declaring that "free speech is alive and well" and that late-night TV remains "just as vital as it ever has been." This sentiment was echoed in Mariska Hargitay's brisk and celebratory hosting style, which helped to create a sense of excitement and energy throughout the ceremony.
The Emmys also took time to honor those who have left us, with a somber In Memoriam segment that, while notable for some omissions, still managed to pay tribute to many beloved figures in the entertainment industry, including Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, and Tim Curry. But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Michael J. Fox, who gave a moving speech while accepting the Humanitarian Award. Despite his struggles with Parkinson's disease, Fox inspired tears and applause from the audience, declaring that accepting his condition didn't mean he had to surrender to it. It was a powerful moment that underscored the impact that television can have on our lives, and the ways in which it can bring us together to celebrate the best in human spirit.
Today's signal:
• Stephen Colbert Says ‘Free Speech Is Alive and Well’ After Emmy Win Despite CBS Cancellation: Late Night Is ‘Just as Vital as it Ever Has Been’ (variety.com)
• Mariska Hargitay Leads a Brisk Yet Celebratory Emmys in a Return to Form: TV Review (variety.com)
• Emmys In Memoriam Excludes Chuck Norris, ‘Buffy’ Actor Nicholas Brendon and More (variety.com)
• Catherine O’Hara, Rob Reiner, Hayden Panettiere, Tim Curry, James Van Der Beek, More Remembered at Emmys (rollingstone.com)
• Michael J. Fox Gives Moving Speech While Accepting Emmys Humanitarian Award (rollingstone.com)
• Michael J. Fox Earns Huge Emmys Ovation and Inspires Tears as He Accepts Humanitarian Award: ‘Accepting Parkinson’s Didn’t Mean I Had to Surrender to It’ (variety.com)