Ben Winston has established himself as one of television’s most innovative and respected producers. At just 43, he’s already racked up 13 Primetime Emmy wins and countless nominations, including a staggering eight in a single year. As he gears up for the 2025 Grammy Awards and reflects on the stunning Ben Winston Summer Olympics Handover, he offers rare insight into what it takes to run the “most challenging show on TV” and how he’s redefining televised music events.
Rising to the Occasion: Grammys During Crisis
Back in January, just weeks before the Grammys, Los Angeles was ravaged by wildfires. Conversations were had about canceling the event altogether. But Winston, with years of live production experience—particularly running The Late Late Show with James Corden—felt strongly that the show must go on.
“We knew we could do real good,” Winston says. They opened with Dawes, a band personally impacted by the fires, performing Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” Firefighters were honored live on stage, presenting Album of the Year—ultimately awarded to Beyoncé.
This wasn’t just an awards show; it was a tribute to resilience and the spirit of L.A. “We got it right,” Winston says simply.
Star Moments and Spontaneous Brilliance
Some of the Grammys’ most touching moments came from impromptu ideas. Bruno Mars reached out a week before the show suggesting “California Dreamin’,” and within hours, he and Lady Gaga crafted a moving performance—choosing sincerity over promotion.
“That’s who they are,” Winston says. “Class acts.”
Why the Grammys Are the Hardest Show on TV
For the past five years, Winston has led the Grammys with fellow executive producers Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins. And as Winston Reveals Grammys Production Challenges and Upcoming Special Details, it’s clear why the show is so demanding.
Unlike other award ceremonies focused on speeches, the Grammys involve up to 20 full performances—with custom sets, choreography, and audio setups. “It’s every artist’s prom night,” Winston jokes. But the short turnaround between nominations and show day leaves just two or three weeks to bring everything together.
One of this year’s most ambitious segments featured all Best New Artist nominees performing back-to-back without a break. To keep it a surprise, Winston placed the artists at tables and had host Trevor Noah casually introduce them. The audience thought they were watching a montage—until Benson Boone stood up and launched into his song. “Fifteen straight minutes of uninterrupted music. It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done,” he recalls proudly.
The Importance of Keeping the Room Warm and Welcoming
Winston intentionally shifted the tone of the Grammys from what it once was—a stiff, sometimes uncomfortable room—to a warm, music-loving space. Gone are the snarky jokes at artists’ expense. He and Trevor Noah share a vision: “A loving, fun, musical celebration.”
With round tables, food, and drinks, the vibe is more intimate, and the result? The artist community actually wants to be there. “Now people are fighting for tables,” Winston laughs. “It used to be us begging them.”
Ben Winston Summer Olympics Handover: Tributes and Legacy Performances
While most artists won’t commit until nominations are announced, legacy performances like Joni Mitchell’s 2024 set are sometimes planned a year or more in advance. “Yes, when greats pass away, we think about it,” he admits. But spontaneity rules at the Grammys—making pre-planning difficult but vital.
The Spectacle of the Ben Winston Summer Olympics Handover
Perhaps Winston’s most cinematic feat to date was the Ben Winston Summer Olympics Handover, the jaw-dropping segment that closed out the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and looked ahead to L.A. 2028.
Winston pitched a bold concept: instead of filming in Paris, why not go live from L.A.? The idea exploded into a full-on Hollywood production. Tom Cruise grabbed the Olympic flag in Paris, drove out of the stadium, jumped from a plane, and appeared at the Hollywood Sign—now transformed into Olympic rings.
From there, the scene cut to a massive beach concert featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. “It was insanely difficult,” Winston says, “but one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
NBC, recognizing the potential, turned the segment into a prime-time special hosted by Venus Williams. “It was everywhere,” Winston beams. “The next day, all the headlines were about Tom jumping off the roof. It couldn’t have gone better.”
Reflecting on Recognition (and the Lack of It)
Surprisingly, the Grammys have never won the top program award at the Emmys—something both the Oscars and Tonys have achieved. “It’s strange,” Winston admits. “But I’ve been lucky enough to win others. I can’t complain.”
A Career Built on Passion
A broadcasting major from the University of Leeds, Winston laughs at how well he’s lived up to his degree. “It never feels like work,” he says. “I love it.”
And audiences love what he creates—from Carpool Karaoke to the Grammys, and now the Ben Winston Summer Olympics Handover. With every challenge, he raises the bar—and always keeps the music playing.