Sept. 11 Specials Vie for Honors

Four specials that grew out of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks received multiple Emmy nominations Thursday:

* “America: A Tribute to Heroes” received six nominations, including best variety, music or comedy special. “America” was seen on multiple broadcast and cable networks less than two weeks after the attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., and featured movie, television and recording stars, including George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Julia Roberts.

The special also served as a telethon to raise money for the families of victims, including police officers and firefighters, who died in the attacks.

* VH1’s “Concert for New York City” benefit was recognized in the same best special category, as well as for art direction of a variety or music program.

* CBS’ “9/11” and HBO’s “In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01” both were nominated for five Emmys, all in the same categories, including best nonfiction special (informational). Hosted by Robert De Niro, “9/11” was based on footage shot by two brothers from France who had been making a documentary on a New York City Fire Department station when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center.

HBO’s “In Memoriam” chronicled Sept. 11 through the eyes of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his staff, and also drew on the experiences of other New Yorkers whose video cameras captured the events.

Susan King