This year, Conan O’Brien will host the Emmy Awards.
Conan got the call last week — literally — from “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, who offered O’Brien some advice on the hosting gig.
NBC Entertainment president Jeff Zucker is pleased with the pick, saying “We think it’s Conan’s turn to be seen by the biggest audience that will ever see him.”
For the past several years, the awards show has been rotating between four TV networks, and has been used as an outlet for the networks to show off their talent.
This year will feature Katie Couric and Matt Lauer from the “Today” show as anchors of a pre-show an hour before the ceremony starts.
Emmy organizers also look forward to the return of the glitz and glamour of the Emmys, squashed last year by the September 11 terrorist attacks and U.S. strikes against Afghanistan.
“One of the things we want to do is return to normalcy for the Emmys,” said Bryce Zabel, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “Which means it’s a high-stylin’ night. It’s a time for people to walk the red carpet.”
The 2002 Emmy Awards will be held on September 22.
