76th Emmy Awards Honor Innovations in Television Technology

On December 4, 2025, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) held the 76th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards at the Prince George Ballroom in New York City. The ceremony honored individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the advancement of television technology.

Dr. Tom Leighton, co-founder and CEO of Akamai Technologies, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in content delivery networks (CDNs) and internet protocols. Leighton has over 50 patents in areas such as content delivery, internet protocols, network algorithms, cryptography, and digital rights management. His innovations have been instrumental in enabling high-definition streaming of movies, television, and live sports.

Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS, remarked, "Tom Leighton has led the way for television's latest golden age, pioneering the technologies that deliver compelling content to every device in our homes and pockets." (theemmys.tv)

Leighton co-founded Akamai Technologies in 1998 and served as the company's Chief Scientist until becoming CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, Akamai has evolved from a content delivery network into a leading cybersecurity and cloud computing company. The company's revenue has more than doubled, growing from less than $1.4 billion in 2012 to $3.99 billion in 2024. Its security business has also expanded significantly, with annual revenue increasing from less than $25 million to more than $2 billion, now delivering the majority of the company's revenue.

In addition to Leighton's recognition, NASA+ was honored with the "Excellence in Production Technology" Emmy for their live broadcast of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. The event, titled "2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA," featured expert commentary, multiple telescope views, and citizen science engagement, showcasing innovative production techniques and extensive reach. (tvtechnology.com)

The 76th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards highlighted the rapid evolution and impact of technology on modern communications, celebrating those who continue to redefine how technology delivers content to consumers worldwide.