This is a list of the winning and nominated programs of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a series, miniseries, film, or special. Since the award ceremony of 1998, the category has been divided into Special Visual Effects for a Series and Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie, or Special. In 1991, the Television Academy nominated four programs, but did not determine a winner.
Before becoming well-known directors, Neill Blomkamp, Gareth Edwards, and Robert Stromberg were nominees for the award.