Tufts alums help secure 49 nominations across 33 categories for the 53rd annual Emmy Awards

Los Angeles [07.18.01] -- When the new television season began last September, Tufts graduates had a hand in over 80 shows on the air, including at least one new program on every major network. Their outstanding work during the season didn't go unnoticed as the industry announced nominations for this year's Emmy awards -- roughly one in every eight nominations was due, in part, to the work of a Tufts alum. In total, Tufts graduates helped secure 49 nominations in 33 areas, including nine of the top 10 categories.

   For the second year in a row, The West Wing -- which 1972 Tufts graduate Peter Roth helped create -- had a very strong showing with 18 nominations. While picking up nine Emmys last year, the show's cast and crew continually thanked Roth -- who is president of Warner Brothers Television -- for his work on the hit series.

   Jeff Greenstein -- co-executive producer for Will and Grace and 1984 Tufts graduate -- helped his show pick up 12 nominations from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, making it the most nominated comedy of the year.

   No stranger to success at the Emmys, Greenstein helped earn three Emmys for Will and Grace last year (outstanding comedy, actor and actress) as well as an Emmy for his work on the hit comedy Friends.

   Thanks to the success of his new comedy Ed, 1984 Tufts graduate Rob Burnett may have a chance to help collect Emmys for three different shows in 15 categories. Burnett created and produced Ed, which picked up nominations for outstanding writing and directing in a comedy series.

   Also the executive producer for the Late Show with David Letterman, Burnett could make his fourth straight trip to the podium to pick up an Emmy on behalf of the late night comedy show. Burnett also heads WorldWide Pants Inc, which produces both shows as well as Everyone Loves Raymond, which earned eight nominations.

   Classmates at Tufts, Oliver Platt and Hank Azaria may both find themselves on stage during the awards in September.

   Platt was nominated for his guest appearance on The West Wing, while Azaria and the rest of the Simpsons cast are nominated for outstanding animated program. Last year, Azaria won an Emmy for his role in Tuesdays with Morrie.

Images courtesy of NBC, CBS and FOX