First off it is most appropriate to describe the environment through which the Emmy Award is possible for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as some people in the media are viewing his receiving of this prestigious award as a farce. It is not, Gov. Andrew Cuomo for several months appeared on national television to give the country (and especially the White House) updates about what is needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic in New York, one of the cities and states that has been hardest hit by the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Andrew Cuomo exhibited leadership, empathy, and compassion for those affected by the rising number of cases in New York. He tried his best to calm down the citizens by letting them know that he is doing everything in his power as Governor to protect New Yorkers. His appearances were serious and heart-felt, which is why he deserved to be nominated for an Emmy in the first place. The award is given to recipients who “cross-cultural boundaries to touch our common humanity”.
The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has chosen Gov. Andrew Cuomo to receive an Emmy for his excellent coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will receive the International Emmy Founders Award.
It is interesting to note that this award, in the past, has been given to actors, journalists, politicians and other creatives who use political satire to provide criticism of politics in their country. However, during a global pandemic, the Academy thought it fitting to honor someone who is authentic rather than humorous.
In a press release, International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner explained “The Governor’s 111 daily briefings worked so well because he effectively created television shows, with characters, plot lines, and stories of success and failure.” He also stated, “People around the world tuned in to find out what was going on, and ‘New York Tough’ became a symbol for the determination to fight back”.
The way in which the Academy President describes Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 111 consecutive briefings as a “television show” with “characters and plot lines” may be taken out of context by some. Even though the award has been given out to recipients during times of peace and stable public health, it is still a creative award but it is necessary to underscore the serious nature of those 111 briefings and the physical, financial and positive health implications it had on New York and other U.S. states.
On of the major challenges during the pandemic for New York is that the state ran out of space to hospitalize and accommodate a rapidly increasing number of patients that tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately, healthcare places for senior citizens were combined with others in order to make room for inpatient care for people with COVID-19. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has faced criticism for this because some of the elderly population ended up being infected during the process and some of them lost their lives.
New York is still devasted by the pandemic. However, many New Yorkers understand that they have a Governor who is willing to put his life and political career on the line to help COVID-19 patients, those with other illnesses, and someone who is listening to the scientist in regards to figuring out a way to turn the corner and begin to decrease the number of new cases in New York.