Gilliam Blasts Emmy Boardmembers

THE WIRE star SETH GILLIAM has slammed Emmy Awards bosses for handing out prizes to TV shows which feature too much sex and violence.

Gilliam, who plays Sergeant Ellis Carver in the critically acclaimed U.S. show, is angry the series has not received more recognition from Emmy boardmembers.

The show has received one nomination for September's (08) award show - for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.

And Gilliam believes the lack of nominations is because the police drama doesn't centre on glamour or sensationalism, like previous year's (07) favourites Desperate Housewives and Heroes.

He says, "The show deals with inner city civil servants and the Emmys would rather fantasise about lawyers and romance.

"It's a show about a blue collar town. It's not very flashy and glamorous. There aren't a lot of shootings in every episode and there isn't a lot of flesh and nipples."

But Gilliam is adamant the show's cast aren't feeling downhearted by the move - insisting they don't need the Emmy's validation.

He adds, "The Emmys will in no way validate the quality of the material we put out there. We take a little pride in not being nominated."