HBO pushes U2 for an Emmy Nomination

Original Story by Aaron J. Sams (2016-05-27)

HBO has released it’s box set of television programs to circulate to voters for the Emmy Awards. If a program is included in the box it does not mean it is nominated for an Emmy, only that HBO thinks the program is strong enough to strike a chord with the Emmy Awards, and it may end up being nominated. These sets are sent by all the major networks at this time of the year.


Front Artwork of HBO Emmy 2016 For Your Consideration Set

HBO has included “U2: iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Live in Paris” as one of the shows it is pushing to have nominated for the Emmy’s. The box set of DVDs includes the U2 special as it aired on HBO, and also includes a second music selection, “J. Cole: Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming” on the same disc.


Side Artwork of HBO Emmy 2016 For Your Consideration Set

The discs inside the box are contained in a folder which has room for the disc and opens to give information on the programs being featured. The description for the U2 special includes the following write-up:

“Powerful and Fearless” — Variety

U2 performs live from Paris, less than a month after its orginally scheduled HBO show was postponed when terrorist attacks in the city left more than 130 dead. Dedicating the concert to those impacted by the attacks, U2 added special guests Eagles of Death Metal, with the special introduction, “They were robbed of their stage, so we would like to offer them ours.” The live concert broadcast blended exuberant emotional performances with a visionary, state-of-the-art production unlike any other arena rock show. Seeing and hearing U2 perfom and interact with huge video displays of creative images and videos offers viewers a unique sensory experience.

HBO has chosen to push the “U2: Innocence + Experience” special in the category “Outstanding Variety Special”, but also mention that it should be considered for all other categories.


Back Artwork of HBO Emmy 2016 For Your Consideration Set

The “U2 Innocence + Experience Live in Paris” special will be released as a home video release next month on June 10. We have already seen from the preview of “I Will Follow” that this video release will be a combination of multiple nights of footage. The DVD being circulated by HBO would be a direct replica of what they showed on television and may not be the same as the final home video release.

U2 have won an Emmy before, in 2011, U2 along with the Soweto Gospel Choir were honored with an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition / Direction / Lyrics for their contribution to the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Sports Emmys. The episode of the Simpsons that featured U2 won an award for Outstanding Animated Program in 1998, but this was awarded to the show, and not to U2 directly.


Interior Card and DVD of HBO Emmy 2016 For Your Consideration Set

The category U2 is being shopped around for is a category for music, variety shows, or comedic specials. Last years winner was the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special. The award is given out as part of the Primetime Emmy Awards, which are being awarded on September 18, 2016. Nominees for each category will be announced on July 14, 2016. Perhaps U2 will grab a spot on the nominees list.

For further reading you may also want to see our History Mix column about other “For Your Consideration” releases from U2 over the years.

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