Emmy’s Schmemmys

This year’s telecast of the 2003 Primetime Emmy Awards went off without a hitch and not much else. Coming in at a paltry 17.7 million viewers, this year’s ratings were significantly lower than last year’s 19.8 million. Producers decided to try a new format and instead of one host to tell lame jokes and meander their way through three hours of awards, they opted for no less than a dozen comedians to lend their hand to the festivities. The hosts included Dennis Miller, Bernie Mac, Ellen DeGeneres, and Conan O’Brien.

The result was definitely less than well received. Critics blasted the idea and the show, coining the event "punishingly lackluster," "drearily mediocre," and claimed the Emmys "offered few surprises, pleasant or otherwise." With the parade of winners that have won once, twice or thrice times before, it seemed only the popular kids can win anymore! Even one of the "popular kids" took notice. The Sopranos’ James Gandolfini walked away with his third trophy for lead actor in a drama series and deemed the win "bittersweet." "My work has been acknowledged, and it’s time everyone else’s work should be acknowledged." Gandolfini said. Gandolfini’s other half on the show, Edie Falco, won her third consecutive win for lead actress. The West Wing was named Best Drama for the fourth year in a row.

Every year we keep seeing the same faces. Deserving? Sure. But what about the rest of the crowd? Maybe the awards shows should be handled like a presidential election – two terms and that’s it. Your work will be recognized and then there will be room for the newcomers. Also, another possible solution might be to separate the cable shows from the network shows. Then again we may end up with a show that lasts for 6 plus hours instead of just hitting over the three (yawn) hour mark.