United Kingdom Dominates International Emmy Nominations; Canada's 'Heated Rivalry' Misses Out
Entertainment

United Kingdom Dominates International Emmy Nominations; Canada's 'Heated Rivalry' Misses Out

authorBy Mindy Kaling
DateSep 23, 2026
Read Time3 min

The United Kingdom has once again demonstrated its prowess in global television, securing a leading 14 nominations for this year's International Emmy Awards. This impressive tally highlights a strong showing across various categories, featuring acclaimed productions like Disney+'s drama series "A Thousand Blows" and Netflix's comedy "Man vs. Baby." Following closely are Brazil with nine nominations and Spain with five, underscoring the diverse international talent celebrated by the Academy. Despite its widespread popularity and critical acclaim, particularly in the U.S. via HBO Max, Canada's "Heated Rivalry" did not receive a nomination, a notable omission given its strong performance.

The International Emmy Awards recognize excellence in television programming produced and aired outside the United States. This year's nominations span 16 categories and represent 22 countries, reflecting the truly global nature of the television industry. The selection process is rigorous, with entries judged by a panel of international experts who seek out the most innovative and impactful content from around the world. The absence of "Heated Rivalry" from the nominee list, despite its submission and eligibility due to its Canadian origin and lack of U.S. production partners, has sparked discussion among industry observers.

Beyond the leading contenders, the nominations showcase a rich tapestry of international storytelling. In the drama series category, alongside the UK's "A Thousand Blows," France's "Carême," Argentina's "Menem," and India's "Real Kashmir Football Club" have earned recognition. For comedy, Argentina's "División Palermo — Season 2 [Community Squad]," Spain's "Old Dog, New Tricks," and India's "Vir Das: Fool Volume" join "Man vs Baby" as top nominees. These selections underscore the diverse cultural narratives and creative approaches flourishing in the global television landscape.

Bruce L. Paisner, President and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, emphasized the highly competitive nature of the awards, stating that the entries represent an outstanding range of productions from around the globe. He expressed anticipation for the upcoming gala, which serves as a significant event for the global television community to honor these exceptional programs and performances. The winners of the 54th International Emmy Awards will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony in New York on Monday, November 23.

Further showcasing the global reach of the awards, other nominated countries include Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and Türkiye. This wide geographical spread highlights the Academy's commitment to recognizing artistic and production excellence across diverse regions and languages, fostering a spirit of international collaboration and appreciation within the television industry.

This year's International Emmy nominations reaffirm the United Kingdom's strong position in global television, with a significant number of nods across various genres. The awards continue to be a crucial platform for celebrating international talent and showcasing the diverse narratives and artistic achievements emerging from around the world. The ceremony in New York is set to be a momentous occasion, bringing together leading figures to honor the best in international television.

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