As we begin to enter Emmys season, the Television Academy has more changes in tow, including an expansion of its membership.
The organization announced on Tuesday, March 24 that it is forming a new Property Masters subgroup within the Directors Peer Group for individuals who have advanced the art of storytelling through their craft as a Property Master. A prop master is a key part of production, as the department head in charge of all moveable items that can be seen on film, helping make them, as well as overseeing where they are stored, transporting them, and prepping the props.
For the first time, qualifying Property Masters are now eligible for either active (voting) or associate membership in the Academy. The TV Academy’s membership committee, chaired by Jo DiSante, has been working closely with the Property Masters Guild to develop criteria for the inclusion of this community’s members who have significant creative impact on the productions on which they work.
Applicants must meet requirements of the new subgroup to be considered for membership, including: Employment for a minimum of two years within the last four years with screen credit as property master or assistant property master, credits on a minimum of 15 episodes of scripted drama, comedy or sketch series, or credits on five long-form programs, defined as a television movie or special running one and one-half hours or more in length.
“Property Masters are industry professionals who make significant contributions to television production,” said DiSante via statement. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome them into the Television Academy.”
Currently, the Television Academy consists of 31 peer groups, each representing specific fields of expertise within the television industry. Membership requirements and an application for the Property Masters subgroup can be found on the TV Academy website.
Applications are accepted year-round. However, the deadline to apply for membership to guarantee voting eligibility for both rounds of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards competition is April 7, 2026.
Other recent changes implemented by the Television Academy this season including the Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Talk Series categories merging back into one Outstanding Variety Series category, and the establishment of the Legacy Award, presented to television programs that have made a “profound and lasting impact” on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture and the industry.
The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, September 14.
