Television talk show star Ellen DeGeneres has been picked to host the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, U.S. TV’s top honors, reprising her widely praised performance in 2001 following the Sept. 11 attacks.
“You know me, any excuse to put on a dress,” DeGeneres joked in a statement from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which puts on the show.
The Emmys are held each year in September and honor the best in U.S. TV programs and performances as well as kick off a new season of shows headed for the airwaves.
TV stars attend in glamorous gowns and tuxedos, dripping in diamonds and other fine jewelry. DeGeneres prefers pants.
In 2001, the telecast was delayed twice before finally airing in early November. DeGeneres walked a fine line between comedy and seriousness throughout the program, which featured displays of patriotism such as a rendition of “America the Beautiful” mixed with DeGeneres’ making jokes.
Her deft performance earned DeGeneres a standing ovation when the Emmys ended that night.
The 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sept. 18, and will air on the CBS television network.
CBS is a unit of Viacom Inc..