The 51st annual International Emmy Awards ceremony for 2023 concluded, featuring 56 nominees from 20 countries across six continents. The awards were distributed to this year's nominees at the annual festival held in New York from November 17th to 19th, the same period in which the nominees were shortlisted. The winners were announced during the event held at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel last Monday evening.

Nousha El-Ruwaini, member of the International Academy of Arts and Sciences of Television (Emmy)

Amazon and Netflix

Reflecting the global broadcasting companies' interest in the television industry, Amazon and Netflix dominated this year's best drama productions category. Netflix's German-Austrian drama "The Empress" was nominated, alongside the South Korean drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" for best drama. Amazon's nominees included the Argentine historical thriller "Yosi, the Regretful Spy" directed by Daniel Burman, and the British thriller "The Devil’s Hour" starring Peter Capaldi.

The Emmy Across Continents

Regarding the International Emmy Awards closing ceremony, Dr. Nashwa Al Ruwaini, a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy) and the CEO of Pyramedia Group, commented: "We are extremely proud to see the global impact of the International Emmy extending across continents, reflecting the cultural diversity and richness of the global television industry. Choosing Abu Dhabi to host the semifinals of these prestigious awards confirms its status as a leading creative hub and highlights the UAE's commitment to supporting arts and culture. This event is not just a celebration of excellence in television, but also a platform to enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding among people."

Al Ruwaini emphasized the importance of these awards in fostering innovation and excellence in the global television industry, stating: "We are witnessing a golden age in television, where creative works transcend language and geography barriers. The Emmy Awards showcase the best of this industry, from captivating dramas and bold documentaries to innovative entertainment programs. Being part of this global journey not only recognizes Abu Dhabi’s status as a center for creativity but also offers the region an opportunity to showcase its talents and stories to the world." Hosting these global events, we hope to encourage young and emerging talents in the region to become part of this growing industry and contribute to shaping its future.

The Award Winners

The list of winners includes: Best Actress: Carla Suza in La Caida (Dive), Best Actor: Martin Freeman in The Responder, Best Comedy Film: Vir Das for Vir Das: Landing, and the third season of Derry Girls, Best TV Movie/Miniseries: La Caida [Dive], Best Non-scripted Entertainment: A Ponte - The Bridge Brasil, Best Short Series: Des Gens Bien Ordinaires [A Very Ordinary World], Best Children’s Reality and Entertainment: Built To Survive, Best Documentary: Mariupol: The People's Story, Best Sports Documentary: Harley and Katya, Best Art Programming: Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On, Best Telenovela: Yargi [Family Secrets], Best Children’s Animation: The Smeds and The Smoos.

Abu Dhabi for Creativity

It's noteworthy that Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is hosting the semifinals of the International Emmy Awards, organized by Pyramedia Group for the thirteenth consecutive year, under the leadership of media professional Nashwa Al Ruwaini, a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy). This further confirms Abu Dhabi's pioneering status as a global hub for television creativity and content production. Over the years, Abu Dhabi has proven to be an ideal location for hosting this global event, reflecting its commitment and dedication to supporting the arts and media both locally and globally, and encouraging its rise as a permanent center for celebrating creativity and excellence in the television entertainment world.

It's worth noting that the UAE's "Pyramedia" media consultancy and production company has succeeded in becoming one of the global companies that act as a bridge connecting the most important television makers in the Arab region and the world. It has been among the list of global production companies hosting the semifinals of the International Emmy Awards, including Amazon Prime, Apple Production, Netflix, Walt Disney, United Group, Warner Bros Discovery, and other major production companies worldwide.