Comedian Louis C.K. just proved you don't have to make content for television to be in the running for a television production award.
The 64th Prime Time Emmy Awards nominees were announced on Thursday morning, and C.K. walked away with seven nods -- four of which were for his former online-only special, Live At The Beacon Theater.
C.K. and the special are up for "Outstanding Directing," "Outstanding Writing" and "Outstanding Picture Editing" for a variety special.
It also received a nod for "Outstanding Special Class Programs" -- going up against the Golden Globes, the Grammys, the Oscars and the Tonys.
Originally, Live at the Beacon Theater was a way for fans to download DRM-free content directly from C.K. The special earned C.K. millions of dollars and the reputation of an online entrepreneur. In May, the special was cut and edited for its television debut on FX.
Before the special was televised, FX president John Landgraf hinted that “it doesn’t qualify for an Emmy unless it airs.”
Considering C.K. is focused on experimenting with self-distributed ticketing for his upcoming tour, he likely didn't strategize the special just to win an Emmy.