The U.S. Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday to expand the number of nominees from five to six in the 10 major categories for the prime-time Emmy Awards.
The hosts of the 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards (L-R) Heidi Klum, Tom Bergeron, Howie Mandel, Ryan Seacrest and Jeff Probst pose as they arrive for the Emmys in Los Angeles Sept. 21, 2008. All five hosts are also nominated as outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition programme. The academy will choose six nominees each in the categories of outstanding comedy and drama programs, lead actor and actress in a comedy and drama series, and supporting actor and actress in a comedy and drama series.
The move was said to inject some new blood into the rerun-prone annual proceedings.
"The increase in the number of nominees in these categories is a strong statement about inclusivity," says TV Academy chairman John Shaffner.
"It exemplifies the Television Academy's awareness of the amount of great television and fine individual work that is seen across the enormous spectrum of the television universe," Shaffner added.
Nominations for the 61st primetime Emmys will be announced in July and handed in Los Angeles on Sept. 20.
