So how do the Emmys work anyway?

So before we can look in depth at why certain shows were snubbed by the Emmys, we need to take a look at the Emmy process. Here’s a rundown of how it works, courtesy of Tom O’Neill from Goldderby.com/”The Los Angeles Times”:

Shows that wish to be eligible for the Emmys must be submitted for nomination, which costs $100-$400 per entry (The Emmys are the only major award that charges a fee to be nominated.). During the eligibility period (June 1, 2006-May 31, 2007 in this case), these shows can have the Academy distribute DVDs to TV academy members (which also costs money). Unlike the Oscars, Emmy campaigners are allowed to decorate the boxes with graphics and quotes from TV critics.

All 13,000 members of the TV academy can then vote by checking off a paper ballot of eligible entries. Only actors can vote for actors, directors for directors, etc. Voters are not required to view any video.

The top 10 finalists in the series and acting categories (based on this popular vote) are then screened to judges who attend the panel sessions in L.A. or New York City. Actors could vote at home if they signed an affidavit swearing they had watched all 10 entries. For each entry, the judges view one sample episode that is chosen by the participating actors and programs. Judges rank all 10 entries against each other, 1 to 10.

TV Academy accountants then take the judges’ scores and mix them up on a 50/50 basis with the results of the original popular vote (just like they do on “Dancing With the Stars”). The five contenders with the highest combined scores become the nominees. This is the first year the Academy has used this process. Last year, only the judges’ scores determined the nominees.

The nominees for all other categories are determined exclusively by the popular vote.

All winners are determined by a screening process. Voters are limited to participating in four categories each: two in their peer group and two program categories. The average voter judges two races. The judges rank the entries 1 to 5 (1 being the best).

Actors are judged on one sample episode. Series are judged on six episodes that are split into three sets of pairs that are distributed randomly to voters. Contenders may change their episode sample from the nominating process if they wish.

The contender with the most number one votes wins. The other rankings are used only in case of a tie.

Now you see why O’Neill calls the Emmy “Hollywood’s most complicated award”…