Shefali Shah misses out on Best Actress award, Jim Sarbh loses to Martin Freeman at Emmy Awards 2023

The 51st International Emmy Awards held in New York City brought both triumph and disappointment for Indian talents. While comedian Vir Das clinched the award in the Comedy category, actors Jim Sarbh and Shefali Shah faced losses in their respective categories.

Sarbh faced stiff competition in the Best Performance by an Actor category and ultimately lost to Martin Freeman for his role in The Responder. He was nominated for his portrayal of Homi J Bhabha in the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. Shefali, on the other hand, faced tough competition but did not secure the award. The honour went to Mexican actor Karla Souza, for her performance in the series La Caida (Dive).

Vir Das scripts history at Emmy Awards 2023

Vir Das became the first Indian comedian to clinch an Emmy in the Best Comedy category for his Netflix special, Vir Das: Landing. The award, however, came with a surprise twist, as the Comedy Category saw a tie, with the popular UK comedy series Derry Girls - Season 3 also sharing the recognition. After winning the award, he said, “This moment is truly surreal – an incredible honour that feels like a dream. Winning an Emmy for 'Vir Das: Landing' in the 'Comedy Category' is not just a milestone for me but for Indian comedy as a whole."

"It's heartening to see 'Vir Das: Landing' resonate globally, thanks to Netflix, Akash Sharma and Reg Tigerman who made it special. My journey from crafting local stories to receiving a global accolade has been both challenging and rewarding, and Netflix has been instrumental in that growth. I'm excited about the continued exploration of diverse narratives, from Noida to the International Emmys - India gets you there," he added.

Ektaa Kapoor gets honoured with International Emmy Directorate Award

Amid the wins and losses, the ceremony honoured producer Ekta Kapoor with the prestigious International Emmy Directorate Award. She became the first Indian woman filmmaker to receive this esteemed accolade.

Opening up about the same, she said. "I am grateful for the audience's love that has opened doors for me, allowing me to transition from television to the world of films and OTT. Each story that I told became a bridge to connect with audiences on many levels. The unexpected turns this journey took are a testament to the power of love showered by the people of India and beyond. My heart is filled with gratitude, and a stronger resolve to make a positive impact through my work for audiences."

The producer also took to social media and shared a glimpse of the coveted trophy. Expressing her happiness, she wrote, "India I’m bringing home YOUR Emmy @iemmys."