The Emmy Awards, which recognize achievements in the television industry, have introduced a new special award, the Legacy Award. It will be presented to television projects that have had a profound and lasting impact on viewers and remain relevant to society, culture, and the television industry.
The nominees will be selected by a newly formed Special Awards Committee, which will be responsible for all special Emmy awards. The final decision will be made by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Board of Governors.
Requirements for candidates for the Legacy Award include that the program must have at least 60 episodes and have aired for at least five seasons. It must also maintain enduring relevance or have a noticeable impact on the development of a particular television genre, on new and existing audiences, and on society and culture in general. Franchises will be considered a single entity and awarded accordingly, with each program eligible for a Legacy Award only once.
The Academy noted that the last time an award of this magnitude was given was in 2007, when the Television Academy Honors Award was created to recognize programs that contribute to positive social change. As with the Governors Award, Legacy Award recipients will receive an engraved Emmy statuette.