Award shows give us the red carpets, the speeches and the surprise moments everyone talks about the next day. This One Gotta Go card puts four of the biggest together: the Grammys, the Oscars, the Emmys and the VMAs.
Three shows stay on the calendar and one disappears. Think about which show you actually watch live, which one you only catch in clips and which one you would not notice was missing. Then make your pick and share the most memorable award show moment you have ever seen.
The Grammys vs The Oscars vs The Emmys vs The VMAs
A. The Grammys
The Grammys celebrate music and often feature big live performances that people remember for years. That is a big plus. The case against it is the long running time and the many awards given out before the broadcast, which can make it feel like a lot to sit through.
Keep it if: You love live music performances and tune in every year to see which artist wins Album of the Year.
B. The Oscars
The Oscars are the most famous award in film, and winning one changes a career. It is the biggest night in movies. It is also long and formal, and many viewers have not seen the nominated films, which makes it an easy one to skip.
Keep it if: You watch the nominated movies ahead of time, fill out a ballot and take the whole night seriously.
C. The Emmys
The Emmys celebrate television, which means you have probably seen more of the nominees than at any other show. Still, it rarely creates the viral moments the others do. If you want spectacle, the Emmys might be the first to go.
Keep it if: You watch a lot of TV and love seeing your favorite shows and actors finally get recognized.
D. The VMAs
The VMAs are MTV's Video Music Awards, famous for wild performances and moments that become instant headlines. It is the least formal of the four. Some people find it more chaotic than meaningful, which makes it a common cut.
Keep it if: You love surprises, big performances and the feeling that anything might happen on stage.
Our take
We would cut the Emmys. TV deserves a big night, but the other three create more of the moments people talk about for years, whether it is a Grammy performance, an Oscar upset or a VMA surprise. The most fun debate tends to be the Oscars against the VMAs, since one is all prestige and the other is all spectacle. Ask everyone for the one award show moment they will never forget. Then predict who would win an award for best reaction in your group.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which award show has changed the most over the years?
- What is the most memorable award show moment you have seen?
- Do award shows still matter in the age of streaming?
- Which award show would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Award Shows: quick answers
What is the difference between the Grammys and the VMAs?
The Grammys are presented by the Recording Academy and honor music recordings across many genres. The VMAs, or MTV Video Music Awards, focus on music videos and are known for a looser, more theatrical show. Both feature big live performances.
What is an EGOT?
An EGOT is when one person has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. Only a small group of entertainers have achieved it, which makes it one of the rarest honors in show business. The term combines the first letter of each award.
