Emmy Awards chief reveals unusual stories

In 38 years of managing the Emmy Awards — more than half its 70-year history — John Leverence has faced everything from the demands of a changing TV industry to ticket nightmares.

As the TV academy’s senior vice president for awards, he’s seen the Emmy categories double from about 60 to 122, entries balloon from 1,500 to 9,000, and the ceremony outgrow 3,000- and 5,000-seat theatres and pack its current venue, the 7,100-seat Microsoft Theater.

The genial, professorial Leverence admits to witnessing some lesser moments, one involving the elegant gold Emmy statuette of a figure with wings — really sharp-edged wings — triumphantly extended skyward.

“One guy was so excited, he was gesturing to his friend and ran the wings into his leg,” Leverence recalled of the backstage moment.

The 70th Primetime Emmys will air live in the UAE on Tuesday at 4am on OSN Series First HD.