The Emmy statue is the iconic trophy awarded to creative and technical excellence in American television. Officially named the “ATEME Emmy Award,” it is produced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) and recognizes outstanding achievement across news, entertainment, sports, and emerging platforms. The sculpture depicts a winged woman holding an atom, symbolizing the arts and sciences powering the medium. This guide explains how the statue is designed, manufactured, gilded, and presented, and outlines the history of the award since its debut in 1949.
What the Emmy Trophy Looks Like
The Emmy is a 13.5-inch bronze figure of a woman holding an atom with wings extended. The statue weighs approximately 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) and is gold-plated with 150 layers of urethane coat over a bronze core. The design has evolved subtly over time, but the core imagery—a heraldic pose with a raised atom—has remained consistent, representing the fusion of art and technology. Unlike some awards that use marble or resin, the Emmy is a metal sculpture finished with gold-like plating to convey prestige and durability.
Dimensions and Weight
Below are the verified specifications for the standard Emmy trophy awarded by the ATAS.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) | ATAS specifications |
| Weight | 6 pounds (2.7 kg) | ATAS specifications |
| Primary Material | Bronze core, gold-like plating | Manufacturer details |
| Finish | Gold urethane layers over bronze | Manufacturer details |
| Base | Black marble-style composite | Photographic and event documentation |
Brief History of the Emmy Award
The first Emmy Awards were presented in 1949 by the ATAS to honor programs from 14 Los Angeles-area stations. Early ceremonies used simple plaques, but the statue was introduced to create a distinctive, reusable icon of excellence. The name “Emmy” is a feminine diminutive of “Immy,” itself derived from “image orthicon,” an early television camera tube. Over the decades, regional Emmys (including Los Angeles–area, San Francisco–area, and National Capital–area) expanded the franchise, while rules and categories evolved to reflect changes in technology and storytelling.
How the Emmy Statue Is Made
Producing an Emmy involves design, sculpting, casting, finishing, and gilding. A licensed sculptor creates a maquette at a reduced scale, which is then enlarged and finalized in clay. A mold is taken and filled with molten bronze; once cooled, the rough statue undergoes chasing, where artisans refine fine details. The surface is then chemically treated to prepare for plating, followed by repeated layers of urethane and gold-color application to achieve the final lacquer finish. Quality control checks ensure consistent weight, color, and structural integrity before packaging and distribution to winners.
Key Production Stages
- Maquette sculpting and approval
- Scaling and mold creation
- Bronze casting and cooling
- Chasing and detail refinement
- Surface treatment and plating
- Urethane coating and quality inspection
Regional Emmy Variations
While the ATAS governs the national Primetime Emmy trophy, other academies produce their own versions with slight differences in design and presentation. Each regional Emmy maintains the core winged-atom imagery but may vary in base material, plating finish, or minor decorative elements. The table below compares the key attributes of the major Emmy trophy types.
| Type | Governing Academy | Height | Base | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy | ATAS | 13.5 inches | Black marble-style | National awards for primetime programming |
| Daytime Emmy | NATAS (formerly ATAS) | ~12 inches | Black marble-style | |
| Sports Emmy | NATAS | Similar, with sport-specific iconography | Black marble-style | Recognizes sports programming and production |
| News & Documentary Emmy | NATAS | Varies slightly by category | Black marble-style | Honors journalism in news and documentary formats |
The Meaning Behind the Design
The winged woman with an atom reflects the mission of television to inform, educate, and entertain through technology. The wings symbolize creativity and inspiration, while the atom represents the scientific principles and engineering that make broadcast and digital distribution possible. Together, they honor the people behind the screens who advance the medium.
Wrap-Up
Understanding the Emmy statue clarifies why it is a cherished symbol of television excellence. From its carefully considered design and material choices to its production process and regional variants, the trophy encapsulates the artistry and technical craft of the medium. Whether you are a creator, a viewer, or a collector, the Emmy remains a lasting emblem of achievement in television history.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who Is the Woman on the Emmy?
The figure is a symbolic, winged woman holding an atom. She is not based on a specific person; the design represents the fusion of art (the arts and humanities) and science (technology and engineering) that defines television production.
How Many Emmy Statues Are Made Each Year?
The number varies by category and region. For the Primetime Emmys, the Academy produces enough trophies to cover all potential winners across categories, with additional runs prepared for contingency. Exact production figures are not publicly disclosed.
Can You Sell an Emmy?
Yes, recipients may sell their trophy privately. Market prices for original Emmy statues vary widely, typically ranging from a few thousand dollars to higher amounts depending on provenance, category prestige, and condition. Winners are not required to sell back the award to the Academy.
What If You Break an Emmy?
If a trophy is damaged, the Academy or the relevant regional organization can provide a replacement. Winners may be asked to return the broken item. Policies and costs, if any, are handled on a case-by-case basis through the administering academy.
Is the Emmy Made of Solid Gold?
No. The Emmy statue is primarily bronze with a gold-colored urethane plating. It is not solid gold, but the finish is designed to resemble gold leaf and resist tarnish.