The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is awarding New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) an Emmy for how he used television throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization recognized Cuomo for “his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his masterful use of television to inform and calm people around the world.”
“The Governor’s 111 daily briefings worked so well because he effectively created television shows, with characters, plot lines, and stories of success and failure,” said International Academy President and CEO, Bruce L. Paisner.
He added, “People around the world tuned in to find out what was going on, and New York tough became a symbol of the determination to fight back.”
The International Emmy Founders Award is given “to an individual or organization who ‘crosses cultural boundaries to touch our common humanity.'”
Cuomo responded to the news during a press call.
“It’s flattering – I accepted on behalf of the people of the state, and I think it’s flattering to the people of the state,” Cuomo said.
He continued, “I think what the people of New York did was amazing, going from the highest infection rate to one of the lowest. I think their participation in the daily press presentations was amazing – we had over 64 million people participate.”
Cuomo will receive the award during the International Emmy Awards show on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. ET.
The news of his award was met with some opposition.
Best actor? https://t.co/zkzRrrndMo
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) November 20, 2020
This is shameful. https://t.co/7OqcOX2AI6
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 20, 2020
Andrew Cuomo won an Emmy for his 'leadership' during the pandemic.
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) November 20, 2020
You’re telling me the man who put Chinese virus patients in nursing homes gets an Emmy?
What a joke!
I am beginning to think most of our society's "awards" aren't really offered in recognition of specific acts of excellence anymore. https://t.co/FcFsSYyY7T
— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) November 20, 2020
One of Cuomo’s recent press conferences garnered strong reactions after he got into a heated exchange with a reporter, as IJR previously reported.
Cuomo grew frustrated after a reporter continued to press him on whether he would leave the decision to close schools up to New York City officials.
The reporter claimed he previously confirmed he would give them the power to make the decision.
“First of all, let’s try not to be obnoxious and offensive in your tone. Because you’re 100% wrong,” Cuomo said.
New York City officials announced on Wednesday its public school buildings would close on Thursday and students would be returning to remote learning.
On Thursday, New York reported at least 41 new coronavirus related deaths and 5,302 new cases.