The Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2007 at Maracanã stadium enchanted audiences as far as the United States, where the beauty and emotion of the show of lights, colors and sounds led to Emmy nominations in three categories: Costume Design/Styling, Set Decoration/Scenic Design and Lighting Direction.

In this interview, the leaders who organized the show discuss when they first heard the news and their expectations for 13 June, when the awards will be announced in New York. Carnival designer Rosa Magalhães, designer Luiz Stein, producer and ceremony general director Scott Givens (pictured with Leonardo Gryner, BOC marketing director and Alê Siqueira, musical director) and their teams are not so sure about winning, but are very proud.

How did you react to the news about the nominations?

Magalhães: At first, I couldn’t believe it. I called Luiz (Stein) to find out if it was really true. Even if we don’t get the award, we are already very proud. After all, together with the Oscar (cinema) and the Grammy (music), the Emmy is one of the most famous awards in the world.

Stein: It was a big surprise. I was hoping to make a big impression here in Brazil, and it happened. But I wasn’t expecting this fantastic international recognition. Taking part in such an important event was a great privilege for me.

Givens:I am truly honored that the Opening Ceremony for the 2007 Rio Pan American Games was nominated for three Emmy Awards. Since I had the opportunity to get to know the work of Rosa Magalhães and Luiz Stein, and our entire team – so creative - I’ve been telling everyone that our work was undoubtedly world class. It is a great thrill to see their work recognized. The Pan American ceremonies were a wonderful success and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am thrilled to have been part of such a sensational team in such a successful event.

What made the ceremony so special?
Stein: It wasn’t just the excellence and the outstanding talent of the team, but also the combining of popular culture, samba and stage lighting within the spectacular setting of Maracanã, a true reference when it comes to major events in Rio de Janeiro.

Which was your favorite moment of the ceremony?

Magalhães: The beginning of the show, for example, when we could feel that it was actually about to start after so much expectation; the national anthem, which is always thrilling; Adriana Calcanhoto was a very intimate moment; and the emotion of seeing that everything was working perfectly. Even after much rehearsing, there’s always some anxiety.

Stein: Copacabana, one of the most original moments. It brought together so many beautiful elements and the choreography– taking inspiration from traveling theater companies – with the blue skirts representing the sea.

What can you tell us about the Brazilian team you worked with?

Givens: I am immensely proud of my team for their creativity, dedication and hard work. Everyone sacrificed a great deal in order to put on the best show possible for Rio and for Brazil, and they results were extraordinary. It was the spark of Brazilian passion that illuminated the spectacle on the 13th of July 2007. I will remember that night forever... And I will always be deeply grateful to the team that made it happen.

Are the nominations enough as recognition, or are prizes necessary?

Givens: In the entertainment industry, a nomination is already a significant honor. Luiz Stein, Rosa Magalhães and six members of the team were nominated by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In our industry, Rosa and Luiz would often be introduced with the title Emmy Nominee. It is a rare and unique distinction. If we are so fortunate as to be awarded for our work, that would be extraordinary, but for now I am deeply honored by the nomination itself. The headlines in Rio the morning after our ceremony told us of the great success of the Opening Ceremony, but this honor is from our industry and elevates our work among our peers.

What are you hoping for? Do we stand a chance?

Stein: It’s hard to tell. Personally, I’ve already been nominated 13 times for MTV awards, and never won. Notwithstanding, despite the irony, I am flattered. I can only say that I’m really proud of being an Emmy nominee.

Magalhães: You always hope for the best. Do we have a chance? I don’t know. Let’s wait for it with elegance.

Here are the categories and names of Emmy Award nominees for the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Rio 2007:

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling (Rosa Magalhães and David Profeta)
Outstanding Achievement in Set Decoration/Scenic Design (Rosa Magalhães, Luiz Stein, Libby Hyland and Scott Givens)
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction (Dave Grill, Laura Frank and Paul Sonnleitner)