Not Just Another Award Show: The 45th International Emmys

This must explain why year after year, the International Emmys is always a breath of fresh air. Just walking the red carpet one will hear names they can’t initially pronounce and languages they can’t understand. One will see actors and actresses nominated from different sides of the globe, individuals with completely different backgrounds and cultures under the same roof, at least for one night. The best part? It doesn’t matter. Ethnicity and gender and skin color are as mundane facts as the earrings or cufflinks someone is wearing. Okay, maybe a little more emphasis is placed on a fabulous pair of earrings.

The International Emmys is a hub for diversity and inclusion, focusing on embracing different ideas and talent, because facts stated on someone’s license should have nothing to do with their career. And it’s fitting that it should take place in one of the most diverse and welcoming places in the world, New York City. This year’s nominees represented 18 countries ranging from Australia to Turkey to the Philippines. Comedian Maz Jobrani hosted the ceremony and wasn’t scared to get political on stage. As every award show, the night ended with winners and losers, but no one seemed to mind. Because the real reason everyone is there isn’t for the shiny trophies, but to celebrate the realization of ideas and narratives and characters that are relatable and real. Scripts showcasing that, despite how big the world is, there’s plenty of room to fit everyone within the screen.

Here is a complete list of the winners: