Four Oscar Telecasts: Emmy Winners for Best Variety Program

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The Oscars, a prestigious event televised annually since 1953, have only been honored with a Primetime Emmy for best variety program four times. These accolades were received in 1979, 1988, 1991, and 2024, showcasing the best in music and variety entertainment.

Hosting these acclaimed shows were legendary figures such as Johnny Carson, Chevy Chase, Billy Crystal, and Jimmy Kimmel. Their exceptional hosting skills contributed to the success of these award-winning programs.

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Music has always been a significant component of the Oscars, and the winning programs from 1979, 1988, 1991, and 2024 featured unforgettable musical performances. From Donna Summer, Olivia Newton-John, and Barry Manilow in 1979 to Billie Eilish, Finneas, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ronson in 2024, these shows showcased top musical talents.

Despite the declining viewership over the years, with the 2024 show attracting 19.5 million viewers in the U.S., the essence of the Oscars and the celebration of talent remain paramount. Let’s delve deeper into the highlights of these four remarkable winning programs.

  • 1979

    Date: April 9, 1979

    Venue: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles

    Host: Johnny Carson

    Producer: Jack Haley Jr.

    Director: Marty Pasetta

    Musical directors: Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson

    Ratings: The telecast drew 46.3 million viewers in the U.S.

    Name of Emmy category: Outstanding program achievement – special events

    Other Emmy wins: None

    Notes: Johnny Carson hosted for the first time, showcasing iconic performances by Donna Summer, Olivia Newton-John, and Barry Manilow. The show also marked the final public appearance of John Wayne before his passing.

    Sammy Davis Jr. and Steve Lawrence delivered a memorable medley, and the event celebrated outstanding achievements in the film industry.

  • 1988

    Date: April 11, 1988

    Venue: The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles

    Host: Chevy Chase

    Producer:  Samuel Goldwyn Jr.

    Director: Marty Pasetta

    Musical director: Bill Conti

    Ratings: The show drew 42.2 million viewers in the U.S.

    Name of Emmy category: Outstanding variety-music events programming

    Other Emmy wins: None

    Notes: Chevy Chase returned as host, with standout performances by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes, Little Richard, and Starship with Gloria Estefan. The show navigated challenges during the Writers Guild of America strike, showcasing improvisational talent.

    The change in venue to the Shrine Auditorium marked a significant shift for the Oscars, highlighting the industry’s adaptability and resilience.

  • 1991

    Date: March 25, 1991

    Venue: The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles

    Host: Billy Crystal

    Producer:  Gil Cates

    Musical director: Bill Conti

    Director: Jeff Margolis

    Ratings: The telecast drew nearly 43 million viewers in the U.S.

    Name of Emmy category: Outstanding variety, music or comedy program

    Other Emmy wins (2): Outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program, outstanding writing in a variety or music program

    Notes: Billy Crystal’s second consecutive hosting stint featured a memorable entrance on a horse, along with standout performances by Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, and Reba McEntire. The show paid tribute to the history of film with a theme of “100 Years of Film.”

    The event also honored outstanding achievements in music and comedy, showcasing the diverse talents within the entertainment industry.

  • 2024

    Date: March 10, 2024

    Venue: The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood

    Host: Jimmy Kimmel

    Executive Producers: Raj Kapoor, Molly McNearney, Katy Mullan

    Director: Hamish Hamilton

    Musical director: Rickey Minor

    Ratings: The telecast drew 19.5 million viewers in the U.S.

    Name of Emmy category: Outstanding variety special (live)

    Other Emmy wins (3): Outstanding directing for a variety special, outstanding music direction, outstanding production design for a variety special

    Notes: The 2024 Oscars showcased the Barbenheimer phenomenon, with Barbie-themed performances by Billie Eilish, Finneas, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ronson. The event celebrated the best in live entertainment, with a star-studded lineup and captivating musical numbers.

    Jimmy Kimmel’s fourth hosting gig added charm and humor to the show, making it a memorable and entertaining evening for viewers.

### FAQs

#### Q: How many times has the Oscars received a Primetime Emmy for best variety program?
A: The Oscars have been honored with a Primetime Emmy for best variety program four times.

#### Q: Who were the hosts of the four winning Oscar shows?
A: The hosts of the winning Oscar shows were Johnny Carson, Chevy Chase, Billy Crystal, and Jimmy Kimmel.

#### Q: What was the theme of the 1991 Oscars?
A: The 1991 Oscars had a theme of “100 Years of Film,” celebrating the history of cinema.

#### Q: Which performances stood out in the 2024 Oscars?
A: Memorable performances in the 2024 Oscars included Barbie-themed numbers by Billie Eilish, Finneas, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ronson.

#### Q: How did the change in venue impact the 1988 Oscars?
A: The 1988 Oscars moved to the Shrine Auditorium, marking a significant shift for the event and highlighting the industry’s adaptability.


Credit: www.billboard.com

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