The Television Academy has blocked the sale of nine Emmys belonging to Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon (1955-2015).

Sam Simon was awarded nine Emmys for his work on the Simpsons

The trophies were due to be sold at Abell Auction Company to benefit the Sam Simon Charitable Giving Foundation.

Much like Oscars, Emmy awards legally revert back to the academy following the death of the recipient - although in practice this does not always happen.

A spokesperson for the academy explained that the holder must "return the statuette to the Academy, and we hold it in storage in memory of the recipient."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.