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CNN Live Sunday

Twice Postponed Emmy Awards Scheduled for Tonight

Aired November 04, 2001 - 15:50   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: In Hollywood, the big event is not just Game 7 of the World Series, tonight marks the third attempt to hold the Emmy Awards. The ceremony was postponed once after the September 11th attacks, and then again when the air strikes began.

CNN's Sherri Sylvester reports on the third go-around.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHERRI SYLVESTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The twice postponed Emmy show will go on in a small theater with stepped-up security and without fan bleachers.

This time around, the telecast will highlight Hollywood's efforts, throughout history, to boost morale in times of crisis. Organizers are determined not to cancel.

BRYCE ZABEL, CEO, TV ACADEMY: I think it's increased our resolve. For 52 years, people managed to give out an Emmy award, and we don't want to be the people in the 53rd year who couldn't do it because we think that sends out the wrong message, and the symbol should be that America is going on about its business as our leaders have asked us to do.

SYLVESTER: Some somber tributes written for the October 7 show remain, but host Ellen Degeneres has been encouraged to add her comic touch as well.

DENNIS FRANZ, EMMY NOMINEE: Everybody is cautious and -- but I don't think that's getting in the way of us celebrating.

SYLVESTER: The cautious optimism of the Emmy's is prompting other organizers to go on with their plans, and the award show season is an important one.

Broadcast rights for the upcoming Oscars brought the Academy $45 million. In return, networks get Super Bowl-size ad rates. Locally, a Golden Globe Screen Actors Guild or Grammy event brings work to hairdressers and makeup artists, limo drivers, caterers and florists.

MAYOR JAMES HAHN, LOS ANGELES: We need things like the Grammies, which are great economic boosts to the economy. Those are good things to have when you are in uncertain economic times.

SYLVESTER: Most award planners say that offering viewers a temporary escape is just as important.

JEFF MARGOLIS, SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD: You can never forget, but just for a moment, get your mind off of it, and lift your spirits, be happy. And that's what we're doing.

SYLVESTER: Oscar producer, Laura Ziskin, says the Academy will pay whatever it takes to secure its venue. Inner security, she believes, depends on getting back to normal.

LAURA ZISKIN, PRODUCER ACADEMY AWARDS: There was this great quote of Winston Churchill, he said, "A love of tradition has never weakened a nation. Indeed, it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.

SYLVESTER: And so the Emmys, too, continue a tradition, getting back to business Hollywood style.

Sherri Sylvester, CNN Entertainment News, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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