Emmys Add Award For Reality Show Hosts

April 23, 2008 12:44 PM EST |

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In this March 20, 2008 file photo, Ryan Seacrest attends the Details magazine party in Beverly Hills, Calif. Hosts including Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel and Tyra Banks are now eligible for an Emmy Award. A category recognizing "outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program" was created by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and will be presented at the 60th annual Emmys in September. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten, file)

LOS ANGELES — Real competition is coming to reality TV: Hosts including Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel and Tyra Banks are now eligible for an Emmy Award.

A category recognizing "outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program" was created by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and will be presented at the 60th annual Emmys in September.

The award recognizes that reality TV has become "an integral part of television and our culture," John Shaffner, chairman and CEO of the TV academy, said in a statement Tuesday announcing the new honor.

Besides Seacrest of "American Idol," Mandel of "Deal or No Deal" and Banks of "America's Next Top Model," other potential nominees identified by the academy include Ty Pennington of "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," Jeff Foxworthy of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" and Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris of "Dancing With the Stars."

Eligibility is open to hosts of programs entered in the reality program and reality-competition categories. Sorry, Simon Cowell: The award isn't for "reactive participants or judges," the academy rules state.

- leftbehind2000 See Profile I'm a Fan of leftbehind2000

and here I thought we'd already scraped the bottom of the sewage tank.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:55 PM on 04/24/2008

- truthyguy See Profile I'm a Fan of truthyguy

While they are at it they should add a category for:
"Most Pompous Asshole with no Talent in a Continuing Role Playing Him/Herself."

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:50 PM on 04/24/2008

- soylentgreenleftovers See Profile I'm a Fan of soylentgreenleftovers

One of the signs of the apocalypse.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:25 AM on 04/24/2008

- Fathoms See Profile I'm a Fan of Fathoms

Oh! The Mundaneity of it all . . .

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:27 AM on 04/24/2008

- Shaddup See Profile I'm a Fan of Shaddup

And we're supposed to care?

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:55 PM on 04/23/2008

- anastasiabeaverhousen See Profile I'm a Fan of anastasiabeaverhousen

Ah. At last, the ultimate oxymoron. An Emmy Award for a reality show. Civilization is officially over.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:41 PM on 04/23/2008

- TexasDem0 See Profile I'm a Fan of TexasDem0

In the midst of war, economic chaos, and an openly criminal administration, THIS is what"s important to the American public?

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:18 PM on 04/23/2008

- wadenelson1 See Profile I'm a Fan of wadenelson1

Actually, the worse things get the more Americans will bury themselves in tv, movies, and Britney just to forget about things for awhile. Bread and Circus.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:05 PM on 04/23/2008