China Nabs First International Emmy
As its range of broadcasters and represented nations broadened this year, the 33rd annual International Emmy Awards show enjoyed its most intense global media coverage to date—due to appearances by multimedia magnate Oprah Winfrey, U.S. Sen. Hilary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and a roster of star presenters and guests.
China nabbed its very first Emmy nod at the last night's gala, held at the New York City's Hilton Hotel and hosted by British comedian and talk show host Graham Norton. Presenters included Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Danny Glover, Roger Bart, Vivica A. Fox, Jack Wagner and more.
He Lin of China took home the best actress Emmy—one of two new performance categories—for her role in telefilm Slave Mother, which illustrates how women had been viewed as property to be bought and sold. France's Thierry Fremont won best actor for the role of "Francis Heaulme" in television suspense-thriller Dans la tête du tueur (Murder in Mind).
Among other top honors, Denmark and Germany picked up statuettes for top drama and top documentary.
Denmark received an Emmy for crime drama The Eagle, which revolves around a detective taking on organized crime and besieged by his own personal psychological challenges. German documentary The Drama of Dresden, illustrating the bombing of this city as World War II came to a close in 1945, drew the nod for its nation.
This year's winners illustrate the growing excellence in worldwide programming, according to International Academy president and CEO Bruce Paisner. The International Academy has zealously encouraged its diverse foreign membership to submit more entries, plus established judging panels on many continents.
"The (International) Academy is proud to be the platform for recognizing outstanding achievement in the international television community," Paisner said.
Senator Clinton presented the prestigious International Emmy Founders Award to Winfrey for her stellar international broadcast career achievements and philanthropic activities.
The International Academy released a statement hailing Winfrey, whose Oprah Winfrey Show airs in 150 countries, as a television pioneer, actress, film producer, editorial director and philanthropist who is one of the most respected and admired public figures today.
Charles Allen, chief executive of Britain's ITV, received the Directorate Award for 50 years of excellence in commercial broadcasting in the United Kingdom. Presented this year by British actress Helen Mirren, the Directorate is bestowed upon entities or individuals in management, news, programming and/or international relations for contributions to international television.
Founded in 1969, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognizes excellence in television programming produced outside the United States. This organization of global broadcasters is comprised of more than 500 members from 70 countries and 350 companies.
To see complete list of 33rd Annual International Emmy Awards winners, visit www.iemmys.tv.