The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards are still a few days away, but the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is already handing out a few unofficial awards.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, the Academy unveiled a list of what it deems to be the 75 most impactful moments in TV. Leading the way, coverage of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon ranks first. Following closely behind the Apollo 11 landing, live coverage of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and The Beatles’ performance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 rank second and third. Other notable mentions on the list include coverage of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, George Floyd’s murder, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, O.J. Simpson’s Ford Bronco chase and the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy.
“There is no greater medium than television to influence our culture,” outgoing National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences President Frank Scherma said.
“These 75 incredible moments demonstrate how television has shaped conversations, broadened our perspectives and motivated social change over the past eight decades. As we celebrate 75 years of the Emmy Awards, we also celebrate television’s powerful impact.”
The full list is available via the Academy’s website.
