The 2025 International Emmy Awards were presented to their winners last night in New York, celebrating standout television creators and performers from around the world. Spanish actor Oriol Pla and British actress Anna Maxwell Martin won in the Best Performance categories, while Türkiye’s Deha (The Good & The Bad) took home the Telenovela award and the United Kingdom’s Rivals was named Best Drama Series.
The Founders Emmy was presented to Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, whose three-decade career has championed creative excellence, supporting the visionary storytellers behind some of the most celebrated series in television history, including 24, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Homeland, and This Is Us.
The Directorate Award was presented to João Roberto Marinho, Chairman and President of Grupo Globo, honoring his leadership in strengthening the group’s legacy of independent journalism and cultural impact, by TV Globo news anchor William Bonner and Brazilian actress Lilia Cabral.
“In a world that often feels uncertain, television continues to serve as a powerful force for connection across cultures and borders,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “This year’s winners, spanning the globe from Japan and Germany to Australia and Türkiye, reflect the extraordinary diversity of voices and the outstanding programs and performances that define the very best of global television.”
In addition to the 2 Special Awards, 16 Emmy statues were presented by the International Academy during 2025 International Emmy Awards.
2025 International Emmy Awards Winners:
Arts Programming
RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: LAST DAYS
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Japan
In March 2023, musician Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away. With incredible access to his diaries and private footage provided by his family, the Program follows how he grappled with death and lived out his final days.
Best Performance by an Actor
ORIOL PLA in Yo, adicto [I, Addict]
Alea Media / Disney+
Spain
A man in his 30s voluntarily checks into a detox center in Barcelona to overcome his addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex, beginning a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Best Performance by an Actress
ANNA MAXWELL MARTIN in Until I Kill You
World Productions
United Kingdom
When Delia meets John Sweeney in a local pub, it sparks an unexpected romance. However, as their relationship develops, she begins to suspect a darker side to him.
Comedy
LUDWIG
Big Talk Studios / That Mitchell & Webb Company
United Kingdom
While seeking to unravel the mystery of his twin brother’s disappearance, reclusive puzzle-designer John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor takes on his twin brother James’s identity as DCI on Cambridge’s major crimes squad.
Current Affairs
DISPATCHES: KILL ZONE: INSIDE GAZA
Basement Films
United Kingdom
The story of the Israeli military assault on Gaza following the Oct 7th attacks. A raw and harrowing look at how the lives of Palestinians have been uprooted and destroyed, seen and told through the eyes of children, journalists and doctors.
Documentary
HELL JUMPER
Expectation TV
United Kingdom
A new look at the war in Ukraine, captured through the eyes and first-person footage of a group of volunteers. A story of courage, passion, and loss among idealistic young people risking their lives without military support.
Drama Series
RIVALS
Happy Prince part of ITV Studios / Disney+
United Kingdom
Set in England 1986, Rivals follows Rupert Campbell-Black, a famous showjumper before he quits for a career in politics, as he joins forces with his new neighbor to overthrow local TV magnate Lord Tony Baddingham by bidding for his TV franchise.
Kids: Animation
BLUEY
Ludo Studio
Australia
Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family into her world of fun.
Kids: Factual & Entertainment
AUF FRITZIS SPUREN – WIE WAR DAS SO IN DER DDR? [ON FRITZI’S TRACES – WHAT WAS IT LIKE IN THE GDR?]
Balance Film / MDR / WDR
Germany
Following in the footsteps of animated character Fritzi (Fritzi and Sophie – Boundless Friendship), hosts Anna and Julian go time-travelling with their avatars and meet rebellious youngsters in the last years of the German Democratic Republic.
Kids: Live-Action
FALLEN
Night Train Media / Silver Reel / Hero Squared / UMedia
United Kingdom
Inspired by the book series, Fallen follows 17-year-old Lucinda Price as she is placed into a rehab facility along with a number of other young people. The fact is, it’s a holding pen for fallen angels.
News
GAZA, SEARCH FOR LIFE
Al Jazeera Arabic Programs Directorate
Qatar
Following the daily life of those who live in Gaza during the first two weeks of the war on Gaza, this Program documents their struggle to stay alive during a relentless war.
Non-Scripted Entertainment
SHAOLIN HEROES: DENMARK
Metronome Productions / Banijay / TV 2 Danmark
Denmark
Nine struggling celebrities move into a Buddhist temple in the Far East to live with two Shaolin Kung Fu Masters and their 1,500-year-old traditions, embracing purity, simplicity, and some of the toughest, most rigorous training methods imaginable.
Short-Form Series
LA MÉDIATRICE [THE MEDIATOR]
KOTV
Canada
The story of Catherine, a family mediator who specializes in conscious uncoupling. After her ex-partner cheats on her, she and her best friend decide to avenge those who have experienced an abrupt separation by targeting her clients’ partners.
Sports Documentary
IT’S ALL OVER: THE KISS THAT CHANGED SPANISH FOOTBALL
Netflix Documentary / You First Originals Production
Spain
It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football unveils the story of the kiss that sparked an international debate and led to high-level resignations. With exclusive access, World Cup champions expose years of injustice and show how they dismantled the system, creating a rising global symbol for change.
Telenovela
DEHA [THE GOOD & THE BAD]
Ay Yapim
Türkiye
Devran, a math prodigy, dreams of a future in the U.S. with Esme but also wants to impress his father, Iskender. His brother Boran falls under Iskender’s influence; Devran must choose between his dreams and saving his family from their father’s grip.
TV Movie/Mini-Series
LOST BOYS & FAIRIES
Duck Soup Films
United Kingdom
Lost Boys & Fairies tells the story of Gabriel, a singer at Cardiff’s queer club ‘Neverland,’ his partner Andy, and their adoption journey. Gabriel must confront his complex history and embark on self-discovery to parent 7-year-old Jake.
