Try, try again: Emmys on for Sunday

'Frasier' executive producer among September 11 victims

By Jamie Allen
CNN

(CNN) -- The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is determined to hold its 53rd Annual Emmy Awards on Sunday night.

After two postponements related to the fallout from the September 11 terrorist attacks, Emmy organizers say the show will go on -- albeit, in a different, smaller venue. The awards show will be broadcast live on CBS from 1,800-seat Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles; it had been scheduled for the 6,000-seat Shrine Auditorium.

"We're good to go," TV Academy Chairman Bryce Zabel told reporters on a telephone conference call Tuesday. "There will be no more moving of the dates. ... We're a show that's secure and ready to go."

The Emmys were originally set to air on CBS on September 16. After the attacks, the show was rescheduled for October 7 and toned down in style and content to reflect the somber mood of American viewers.

But that show was also canceled on the day of the event when U.S.-led forces began their bombing campaign on Afghanistan.

Sunday's show has undergone more changes in content, starting with the changing of producers: Don Mischer dropped out because he needed to start work on Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Gary Smith took over; he eliminated plans for a tribute to New York police that nominee Dennis Franz ("NYPD Blue") was to have introduced. Smith and Zabel said the efforts of rescue personnel following the terrorist attacks would be acknowledged in other ways.

"It has nothing to do with anyone's feeling that it's not without merit," Smith said.

Smith will include a segment highlighting Hollywood's efforts through the years to boost the country's morale during times of crisis. CNN's Larry King will introduce that piece. Walter Cronkite also will appear on the show, via satellite from Toronto.

Another change: security will be much more intense than in the past, officials say. Everyone at the venue will be subject to security screening, all vehicles will be searched, and airspace over the theater will be restricted.

Ellen DeGeneres will host the show, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Along with tributes to September 11 victims, the Emmys will be handed out, traditionally honoring what the academy votes as the best shows and talent on television.

"The Sopranos" has 22 nominations going into the telecast. Its nemesis, NBC's "West Wing," is second with 18 nods.

Both are considered the front-runners for best drama; "West Wing" beat out "The Sopranos" last year. "ER," "Law & Order" and "The Practice" round out the best drama category.

Another storyline to follow is "Frasier"'s attempt at history. The NBC sitcom, nominated 11 times this year, needs just five more golden statuettes to tie "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" for the most Emmys ever awarded to one show. "Mary Tyler Moore" currently holds the record with 29 Emmys.

"Frasier" will compete in the best comedy category with "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Sex and the City," and last year's winner, "Will & Grace."

Nominees for best actress in a comedy series are Calista Flockhart ("Ally McBeal"), Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Sarah Jessica Parker ("Sex and the City"), Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), and Debra Messing ("Will & Grace").

Outstanding actor in a comedy series nominees: Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier"), John Lithgow ("3rd Rock From the Sun"), Eric McCormack ("Will & Grace"), Frankie Muniz ("Malcolm in the Middle"), and Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond").

In the lead actor in a drama category, Gandolfini once again gets the nod. He'll face off against Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen, both of "West Wing" stars. Also nominated in that category: Andre Braugher ("Gideon's Crossing") and Dennis Franz ("NYPD Blue").

Nominees for lead actress in a drama: Lorraine Bracco ("The Sopranos"), Amy Brenneman ("Judging Amy"), Edie Falco ("The Sopranos"), Marg Helgenberger ("CSI"), and Sela Ward ("Once and Again").

Fans of "Survivor"-style programming will have their day, too. The academy this year created a category that includes reality television shows. Up for best non-fiction program (special class) are: VH1's "Bands On the Run," USA's "Eco-Challenge: Borneo," TLC's "Junkyard Wars," MTV's "Road Rules: Maximum Velocity Tour," and CBS' "Survivor."

Smith and Zabel said they may allow winners to make longer acceptance speeches than normal. In the past, winners had 30 seconds to complete their remarks before the music swelled, but Smith said he intends to be more flexible because emotional speeches may turn into the highlight of the evening.