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The history and symbolism of the red carpet are traced back to the Greek tragedy Agamemnon by Aeschylus in 458 BC. In the play, Clytemnestra spreads red tapestries for the returning King Agamemnon to walk upon as a path of "justice" leading to his death. The modern red carpet is described as a tool for social segregation and a marker of hierarchy at high-end events.
The hosts open the show by discussing the recent Emmy Awards and the victory of actor Billy Porter. They highlight Porter's history of making bold fashion statements, specifically referencing his choice to wear a dress to the previous year's ceremony. This discussion serves as a thematic setup for the episode's exploration of the intersection between the entertainment industry and gender identity.
