Environmental Media Awards names noms

Ceremonies to be Dec. 6 in Santa Monica

By DAVE MCNARY

Seventeen nominations have been announced for the 10th Environmental Media Awards, including feature prize contenders "Erin Brockovich," "I Dreamed of Africa" and "Family Tree."

The ceremonies, hosted by Wendie Malick and David Spade and sponsored by BP Solar, will take place Dec. 6 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Awards honor productions that have expanded public awareness on environmental issues.

Nominations for made-for-TV movies include "Harlan County Wars," "On the Beach," "Rip Girls" and "Sabrina Down Under." TV episodic comedy nods go to "Futurama" for "The Problem With Popplers," "Just Shoot Me" for "An Axe to Grind" and "The Simpsons" for "Beyond Blunderdome."

Children's animated nominations include "Pepper Ann" for "Ammy's Song;" "The Wild Thornberrys" for "Your Otter Know" and "Watts on Your Mind" for "Return of Watts on Your Mind."

Nominations for the Turner Prize, presented for the episode that best addresses the population growth issue, include "Dawson's Creek" for "Homecoming"; "ER" for "Match Made in Heaven"; and "3rd Rock From the Sun" for "Sex and the Sally." The award includes a $10,000 cash prize for the writer.

Thesp Pierce Brosnan and journalist-TV personality Keely Shaye Smith will receive the board of directors' award for ongoing commitment.