ELLEN BURSTYN - TV ACADEMY DEFENDS NOD FOR 11-SECOND PERFORMANCE

TV ACADEMY DEFENDS NOD FOR 11-SECOND PERFORMANCE

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on Wednesday defended the Emmy nomination of Ellen Burstyn for best supporting actress in a miniseries or movie even though she appeared on-screen for 11 seconds. Academy spokeswoman Pam Golum told the Associated Press: "Based on the popular vote, this is a legitimate nomination." The nomination, however, raised questions about whether Academy members actually watch the performers they are nominating, and Golum indicated that the Academy would be willing to consider a new rule requiring actors to appear on screen for some minimum length of time in order to qualify for a nomination. Burstyn's brief appearance came in the HBO film Mrs. Harris.

10/08/2006