MUMBAI: International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences president and CEO Bruce Paisner announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and Yang Lan, the famous Chinese broadcaster and chairman of the Sun Culture Foundation, will serve as dinner co-chairs for the 33rd International Emmy Awards Gala.

This year’s Gala event will take place on 21 November, 2005 in New York City.

"I am so proud that two valued colleagues and friends have agreed to act as co-chairs of this year’s dinner. As chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Michael Lynton is a leading force in the worldwide entertainment business and he is also the treasurer of the Academy. Yang Lan is a distinguished TV personality in China, an accomplished businesswoman and a longtime supporter of the Chinese production community," said Paisner.

In addition to the presentation of the International Emmy Awards for programming, the Academy will present two special awards. Oprah Winfrey will receive the International Emmy Founders Award for her philanthropic initiatives that have helped millions worldwide and raised awareness for a multitude of humanitarian causes, including education, AIDS and poverty.

The International Emmy Directorate Award will be given to ITV, for 50 years of excellence in commercial broadcasting in the United Kingdom. ITV chief executive officer Charles Allen will accept the award on behalf of ITV.

The semi-final judging of the International Emmy Awards is taking place around the world this summer, with finals taking place in September. Nominees will be announced at a press conference in Cannes at Mipcom on 17 October, 2005. This year’s sponsors, to-date, include: Ascent Media, Microsoft, NBC Universal, Phoenix-TV, Reed Midem, Sun Media, Savvis, Sofitel Hotels and Variety.