Primetime Emmy Awards nominating ballots will arrive shortly in the hands of some 10,000 Academy of Television Arts & Sciences members, beginning a process that culminates Sept. 21 with the presentation of this year’s honors for outstanding achievement in prime-time television, for individuals and shows.The Emmys help set a standard of excellence and encourage networks and producers to make the best possible programs. They can provide a real boost to an actor’s career or a show’s prospects. An Emmy Award brings tremendous attention, which helps a show find an audience. In some cases, winning an Emmy has helped shows avoid cancellation.

First presented in 1949, the 4.75 pound, 16-inch-high Emmy statue was designed by TV engineer Louis McManus, who used his wife as his model. It was first nicknamed “Immy,” shorthand for the image orthicon tube used in early TV cameras. It soon became “Emmy,” because it was thought a woman’s name better fit the image.

Today the Emmy is a prized form of peer recognition for even the biggest stars of television. This prestigious honor helps spotlight the finest talent, programs and shows on American TV. In keeping with that tradition, this issue of TelevisionWeek brings attention to some of the standout work done during the current eligibility period (June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003). We think this year’s potential honorees are in keeping with the Emmys’ proud tradition.

55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Calendar

June 20, 2003 Deadline for returning nominating ballots to Ernst & Young. July 17, 2003 Emmy nominations announced. Aug. 27, 2003 Engineering Awards. Aug. 29, 2003 Deadline for returning at-home judging ballots for Creative Arts Awards categories to Ernst & Young. Sept. 5, 2003 Deadline for returning at-home judging ballots for Telecast Awards categories to Ernst & Young. Sept. 13, 2003 Creative Arts Awards, Banquet at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Sept. 21, 2003 Fox Telecast, Governors Ball at Shrine Auditorium.