Among the biggest possible changes is one that it's too late to institute this year. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is considering whether to add to the number of nominees in the major categories. The Oscars expanded the number of best picture nominees to 10 in 2009.
"I think that's something that we absolutely need to look at," Academy chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum (left) said in a Television Critics Association panel Friday. "You look at the caliber of the six dramas that were nominated, and there's obviously several other dramas on television which are worthy of being in that category. It's something that we as a board of governors should take a look at."
Rosenblum also said the academy is "carefully" monitoring the best movie or miniseries category, where three of this year's nominees -- "American Horror Story," "Luther" and "Sherlock," could also be considered drama series. He said the academy would "see how 'American Horror Story' plays out" and will keep track of whether each entry should continue to qualify as a miniseries.
Producer Don Mischer said in response to a question about whether Andy Griffith might merit a special tribute that the show is considering it. When an especially notable person dies, he says, the show sometimes focuses on that person at the start or end of the "In Memoriam" segment.
Emmy host Jimmy Kimmel, meanwhile, suggested the "In Memoriam" song be whistled in honor of Griffith.
Mischer noted that the segment is often ranked as the most popular part of the show, besides the host. Deciding who to include is always a difficult decision, he said.
"This is an issue that you face often," he said. "There are many more people who in fact deserve to be in there."
