HBO Likely No-Show at Emmys

ByABC News
September 24, 2001, 2:23 PM

September 20 -- It won't be business as usual at this year's Emmys with the entertainment industry along with the rest of the country still in shock over last week's devastating terrorist attacks

The usual parties, red carpet frenzy, and daring designer gowns will likely take a backseat to paying tribute to lost and missing friends and colleagues.

The completely understandable fear of flying that is gripping the rest of the nation is apparently affecting the New York-based HBO contingents of The Sopranos and Sex and the City, who are not planning to attend the Oct. 7 Los Angeles ceremony, according to the New York Daily News. The Daily News' Mitchell Fink reported Wednesday that although HBO, which boasts 32 nominations from its two hit shows alone, was willing to pay for nominees, including James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, to attend the awards, no plane reservations have been made.

"Some may decide in the end to go," a network representative told Fink. "But as of now, they seem to want to stay in New York."

HBO reportedly asked Emmy officials if they might consider a live feed from New York as a way to accommodate stars who aren't ready to fly, but awards show organizers aren't planning on it, Fink reported, although he said that may change.

Meanwhile, Parker and her hubby, Matthew Broderick, and The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli made themselves useful in New York City by helping pass out food to rescue workers.Movie producer Brad Epstein tells the Daily News' Rush & Molloy, that the cops and firefighters don't seem to mind the attention, especially from Parker.

"She was signing a lot of helmets," says Epstein. "The guys loved it."