North Hollywood, CA, March 11, 2010 – The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation announced that prolific producer Nigel Lythgoe (“American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance”) will receive the Philanthropy Award at the 31st Annual College Television Awards, which will be held on Saturday, April 10th at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood. Adam Shankman (“So You Think You Can Dance,” “The Last Song”) will present Lythgoe with the honor. Television personality Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with The Stars”) will return for the fourth year as host of the ceremony.
The College Television Awards recognize excellence in work by undergraduate and graduate students at schools around the country in the areas of video, digital and film production.
Lythgoe is being recognized for his devotion to education and to improving the lives of young people. Even as he helped build the “American Idol” empire and the successful “So You Think You Can Dance” series, he found time to give back. Lythgoe was the driving force behind the tremendously successful “Idol Gives Back,” which has raised millions for people in poverty in both Africa and the United States. He is also the Co-Founder of the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a nonprofit organization which provides scholarships and assistance to talented, underserved youth in the United States.
Lythgoe got his professional start with the Corps de Ballet, and he later went on to choreograph the BBC’s Young Generation dance troupe for more than 500 shows.
“Nigel has created countless opportunities for young people,” said Television Academy Foundation Executive Director Terri Clark. “We applaud him for his dedication to disadvantaged youth, and thank him for his continued support of the Television Academy’s education programs.”
This year, the College Television Awards honor work in 11 categories including: Animation, Children’s, Comedy, Commercials, Documentary, Drama, Music Composition, Best Use of Music, Newscasts and Series. The winning work will be showcased at a special screening on Sunday April 11th at the Television Academy's Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood. Tickets to the College Television Awards can be purchased through the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation website.
About the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation preserves and celebrates the history of the medium while educating and guiding those who will shape its future. Prominent among its many initiatives are the Archive of American Television, education programs such as the College Television Awards and its renowned student internship program, all of which utilize the resources of the Television Academy. For more information about the Foundation, its many programs and services, please visit emmysfoundation.org.
