Emerson alumnus Bill Burr ‘93 will have his first ever shot at a Grammy early next year after his newest Netflix comedy special, Paper Tiger, received a nomination for Best Comedy Album. 

Paper Tiger is the newest of five comedy specials currently streaming on Netflix for Burr, who has performed stand-up since the 90s. He graduated from Emerson with a degree in mass communication in 1993. And after nearly 30 years as a comedian, actor, and podcast host, Burr has a chance to win the prestigious award at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, set to air on Jan. 31 on CBS. 

It is Burr’s first Grammy nomination. 

Burr recently starred in the comedy film The King of Staten Island, the fourth season of his animated Netflix series F is for Family, and will be returning in this week’s episode of The Mandalorian. He co-founded All Things Comedy—a podcast network for comedians—which is home to his bi-weekly comedy podcast, Monday Morning Podcast. Recently, this October, he hosted Saturday Night Live, which received mixed reviews from viewers due to his controversial monologue addressing mask wearing, cancel culture, and calling out white women for speaking over BIPOC voices.

The awards show will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it creates. The Academy said they will keep the health and safety of the artists and crew in mind when planning the awards ceremony, which will be in-person. They have not said what exact precautions will be taken. 

“On Jan. 31, 2021, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards will be happening, rain or shine, COVID-19 vaccine or not,” stated the Recording Academy on their website.  

The Grammys, hosted by The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah, will also broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 31.