Virtual reality has official entered awards season territory.
Henry, a VR animated short about a hedgehog, received an Emmy for Outstanding Original Interactive Program. It's part of the juried Emmy awards given before the ceremony on Sept. 18, and it's the first piece of VR narrative to win such an award.
"People really feel for him, in a different way than in a movie.That emotional connection made people feel differently. They'd say, 'I really want to reach out and hug him,' or 'I really want to help him out," Dau said.
The eventual success, and the Emmy jury's recognition of it, gives Dau hope for the future of VR storytelling.
"It shows the industry is really backing us, by giving us big, massive, important award is going to VR," Dau said. "There's so much potential for great storytelling down the road."
See the full story here: http://mashable.com/2016/09/08/henry-oculus-emmy/#EESl5.X.qgqz
Henry is available to watch for free through the Oculus storefront.