Top 100 Events in the United States 2015 - Award Shows
1. Academy Awards
Los Angeles
#1 Award Show
The most prestigious of the entertainment award shows still innovates to attract more viewers to its celebration of the year’s best movies. Under president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the academy has become more diverse, and next year’s show will have new producers. Next: February 28, 2016
2. Grammy Awards
Los Angeles
#2 Award Show
The 57th edition of “Music’s Biggest Night” featured performances by Madonna, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and others at the Staples Center. The telecast attracted 27 million viewers and prompted nearly 21 million tweets from across the globe. Next: February 15, 2016
3. Primetime Emmy Awards
Los Angeles
#3 Award Show
With the addition of Amazon, Netflix, and others creating original television, the awards have become more competitive as well as more compelling for viewers. Actor Andy Samberg debuts as a major award show host at this year’s event, held at the Microsoft Theater. Next: September 20, 2015
4. Golden Globes
Los Angeles
#4 Award Show
The 72nd edition of the boisterous dinner awards from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association boosted its ratings this year, drawing 19.3 million viewers who watched Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler wrap up a successful three-year run as hosts. Next: January 10, 2016
5. MTV Video Music Awards
Los Angeles
#5 Award Show
Although youth tend to tune in to YouTube or other online sources for music videos, MTV’s award show is still an essential night for the music business. This year Miley Cyrus hosted, and the network announced its nominees on Apple Music’s new global radio station Beats 1. Next: Summer 2016
6. ESPN's ESPY Awards
Los Angeles
#6 Award Show (up from #7)
The sports giant moved the show to broadcast TV for the first time, airing it on ABC, and earned the highest ratings in the show’s history. The show celebrated the Women’s World Cup-winning United States women’s soccer team, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and others. But Caitlyn Jenner, receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, stole the show. Next: Summer 2016
7. Time 100 Gala
New York
#7 Award Show
Honorees as diverse as ballerina Misty Copeland and Univision News anchor Jorge Ramos attendeed the magazine’s gathering of global power players. Two highlights from this year’s event involved Kanye West. First, he was pranked on the red carpet as comedian Amy Schumer pretended to trip in front of him; later, inside the gala, as he performed a three-song set. Next: Spring 2016
8. N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards
Los Angeles
#8 Award Show
Black-ish star Anthony Anderson hosted the multicultural award show, which focus heavily on the entertainment industry but also honor others who promote social justice; this year, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was presented with the Chairman’s Award. The show aired live on TV One. Next: February 5, 2016
