‘I Love Lucy’ Stars Credited With Helping to Create This Emmy Category
I Love Lucy is one of America’s most beloved TV shows. The classic comedy was the creation of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who also starred in the series. Every week viewers tuned in to see the humorous antics of housewife Lucy Ricardo (Ball) and her Cuban bandleader husband, Ricky Ricardo (Arnaz). Throughout the show’s six-season run, it won numerous awards and helped create a new Emmy category.
‘I Love Lucy’ stars credited with helping to create Emmy writing category
When the Primetime Emmy Awards were launched in 1949, they honored the best comedy, drama, and variety shows on television. During the awards early years, the categories primarily focused on the actors’ performances and the outstanding TV series. However, the awards would soon add more categories thanks to the encouragement of Ball and Arnaz.
According to PrimeTimer.com, at the 1954 Emmys, I Love Lucy won for Best Situation Comedy. Although Ball and Arnaz were thankful for the award, they felt the honor should go to their writers. Ball expressed her wish to give the Emmy to their writers. Arnaz echoed his wife’s sentiments by saying, “I hope that next year the Academy does not forget the writers.”
The Academy was listening and next year decided to recognize the work for the crew behind the scenes. At the 1955 ceremony, the Academy added two writing and one directing category. Since then, the Emmys have grown to include over 100 categories honoring the work of those on and offscreen.
Did the show’s writers win an Emmy?
If it wasn’t for Jess Oppenheimer, Bob Carroll, and Madelyn Pugh, the show might not have been as successful as it was. The trio created four characters that are TV icons and wholesome content that fans loved. Thanks to Ball and Arnaz, they also got the recognition they deserved.
The team received back-to-back Emmy nominations at the 1955 and 1956 awards ceremonies. Unfortunately, they didn’t win the coveted award. Although they failed to score an Emmy, the writing team won the hearts of fans because of their creativity.
The show’s actors won Emmys
Although I Love Lucy didn’t win any writing Emmys, it swept other categories. Aside from two Best Situation Comedy wins, its’ stars also took home acting awards. In 1953, Ball won Best Comedienne, then three years later was awarded Best Actress-Continuing Performance.
In 1954, Vivian Vance won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ethel Mertz. Her on-screen husband, William Frawley, received five Supporting Actor nominations but never won. Meanwhile, Arnaz is the only cast member who never received an acting nod.
No matter how many awards the show did or didn’t win, it doesn’t change its status as a classic TV comedy.
