5 Greatest Emmy Hosting Moments

In 1952, the country was experiencing 'I Love Lucy' mania. The black and white sitcom first aired on CBS in 1951, and Americans quickly fell in love with the fiery, wacky redhead and her excitable Cuban husband. In recognition of the show’s impact and popularity, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were invited to host the Academy of Television Arts and Science’s fourth annual Emmy Awards dinner at Ambassador Hotel’s Coconut Grove. Perhaps the most ... more 

In 1952, the country was experiencing 'I Love Lucy' mania. The black and white sitcom first aired on CBS in 1951, and Americans quickly fell in love with the fiery, wacky redhead and her excitable Cuban husband. In recognition of the show’s impact and popularity, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were invited to host the Academy of Television Arts and Science’s fourth annual Emmy Awards dinner at Ambassador Hotel’s Coconut Grove. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening came during Red Skelton’s acceptance speech for the “excellence in comedy” award. Said Skelton, “Ladies and gentleman, you’ve given this to the wrong redhead. I don’t deserve this. It should go to Lucille Ball.” The Reporter summed up the feeling in the room: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Red Skelton did his best to give his second Emmy to Lucille Ball and Lucy herself, technically a loser, won more friends than a dozen Emmys could ever compensate for.” Ball may not have received a dozen Emmys but she did tally thirteen nominations and four wins throughout her career. In 1962, she earned one of many “firsts,” becoming the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu. You can watch I Love Lucy reruns on the plasma screen today, a testament to the great comedienne’s staying power. (Associated Press) less