What an Emmy Award Looks Like
The Emmy Award is a gilded sculpture representing a winged woman holding an atom, symbolizing the art and science of television. Officially named the "International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Award," the trophy is manufactured by R.S. Owens & Company. While the core design is consistent across most categories, there are variations in size and plating.
Materials, Dimensions, and Weight
An Emmy Award is plated in 24-karat gold over a hard epoxy resin base. The height is approximately 13.5 inches (34.3 cm), and it weighs about 6 pounds (2.7 kg). These specifications are consistent for the main Primetime and Daytime awards, with smaller variants used for regional or specialized honors.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) | R.S. Owens & Company |
| Weight | 6 pounds (2.7 kg) | R.S. Owens & Company |
| Material | Gold-plated epoxy resin | Manufacturing specifications |
| Design | Winged woman holding an atom | Academy history documents |
Design Symbolism and Origins
The statue was designed in 1949 by engineer Louis McManus, who modeled the winged muse "ATV" after his wife, Dorothy. The wings represent the muse of art, while the atom in her hand symbolizes the scientific method and technical innovation essential to broadcasting. The name "Emmy" is a feminine take on "Immy," a nickname for image orthicon tubes used in early cameras, reflecting the technology roots of the medium.
Category-Specific Variations
Not all Emmys are identical. The Primetime Emmy Award, Daytime Emmy Award, and News and Documentary Emmy Award share the same core design but may differ slightly in size, base, and engraving. Regional chapters, such as the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Lower Great Lakes, also issue smaller chapter awards that follow the same motif at a reduced scale.
Variations Across Emmy Types
- Primetime Emmy Award: Gold-plated, 13.5 inches, presented for prime-time programming.
- Daytime Emmy Award: Same design and materials, awarded for daytime programming.
- News and Documentary Emmy: Identical statue, focused on journalistic categories.
- Regional and Chapter Emmys: Smaller, often displayed with customized bases.
The Manufacturing Process
Each Emmy is handcrafted by R.S. Owens & Company in Chicago. The process involves creating a mold from a master model, casting the resin core, applying multiple layers of 24-karat gold through electroplating, and hand-polishing to a high shine. Quality control includes inspection for uniformity in color, weight, and dimensions to ensure consistency across thousands of awards produced over decades.
Display, Storage, and Transport
Because of its gold plating and resin core, an Emmy is durable but not immune to damage. Collectors and winners often store the statue in its original packaging or a lined case to prevent scratches. The weight of 6 pounds means it requires careful handling during transport. For display, many choose a secured platform or glass case to avoid accidental falls that could chip the gold finish.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Since its introduction, the Emmy has become one of the most recognized symbols of excellence in television. Its image is used in marketing, archival materials, and ceremony branding. The statue embodies the industry's commitment to creativity and technology, and its recognizable silhouette reinforces the prestige associated with Emmy recognition across news, entertainment, and sports programming.