The 52nd edition of the prestigious International Emmy Awards lit up New York as the global television industry gathered to celebrate excellence in TV programming created outside the US. This year’s ceremony was historic for India, as actor-comedian Vir Das made headlines by becoming the first Indian to host the star-studded event. Known for its grandeur, the International Emmys were presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS), acknowledging TV programs that pushed boundaries and redefined storytelling in 2023.
India’s ‘The Night Manager’ Misses Out On Drama Series Award
India had a reason to celebrate with The Night Manager earning a nomination in the coveted Drama Series category. Featuring a stellar cast including Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Sobhita Dhulipala, the series had generated massive buzz. However, despite high expectations, it lost to Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God), a captivating French-Japanese series that emerged victorious.
Winners That Stole The Show
The ceremony spanned 14 categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in Arts Programming, Drama, Comedy, Documentary, and more. Here’s a look at the top winners of the night:
- Arts Programming: Pianoforte
A mesmerizing exploration of classical music, Pianoforte bagged the award, captivating audiences worldwide. - Best Performance By An Actress: Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in Hunger
Thai actress Aokbab-Chutimon’s gripping portrayal in Hunger left an indelible mark, earning her the top honor. - Non-Scripted Entertainment: Restaurant Misverstand – Season 2
This Dutch series impressed with its emotional storytelling, celebrating real-life narratives. - Sports Documentary: Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story
Motorsport fans were thrilled as this documentary chronicling the miraculous rise of Brawn GP in Formula 1 took home the award. - Short-Form Series: Punt de no retorn (Point of No Return)
The Spanish short-form masterpiece highlighted human resilience, clinching the award. - Kids: Live-Action: En af Drengene (One of the Boys)
This heartwarming tale of friendship and acceptance captured hearts in the Kids: Live-Action category. - Kids: Factual & Entertainment: La Vida Secreta de tu Mente (The Secret Life of Your Mind)
This educational yet entertaining series enthralled audiences, making learning fun and engaging. - Kids: Animation: Tabby McTat
The animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s beloved book charmed its way to victory in the Kids: Animation category. - TV Movie/Mini-Series: Liebes Kind (Dear Child)
The German thriller mini-series swept the TV Movie/Mini-Series category with its gripping narrative. - Comedy: División Palermo
This Argentine gem, blending satire with social commentary, emerged as the audience favorite in the Comedy category. - Best Performance By An Actor: Timothy Spall in The Sixth Commandment
British actor Timothy Spall’s masterful performance earned him the coveted Best Actor award. - Telenovela: La Promesa (The Vow)
This Spanish telenovela captivated viewers, winning hearts and the award for its compelling storytelling. - Documentary: Otto Baxter: Not A F**ing Horror Story*
The documentary, offering a unique perspective on neurodivergence, claimed the top spot. - Drama Series: Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God)
The poignant exploration of wine, family, and legacy saw this French-Japanese co-production triumph in the Drama Series category.
Global Talent And Local Stories
The International Emmys continue to champion global storytelling by recognizing diverse voices and narratives. This year’s winners reflect the evolving landscape of television, where local stories resonate universally. With shows like Dear Child and División Palermo, and standout performances by Timothy Spall and Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, the 2024 International Emmy Awards showcased an exceptional blend of creativity and innovation.
Vir Das’ Historic Hosting Moment
For India, Vir Das hosting the event marked a momentous occasion. Known for his sharp wit and global appeal, Das brought his unique charm to the stage, making the country proud. Reflecting on his role, Das shared, “It’s an honor to host such a prestigious event and to represent India on this global platform.”
As the curtains closed on the 52nd International Emmy Awards, the night reaffirmed the power of storytelling in connecting cultures, breaking barriers, and shaping global perspectives.