Vir Das wins first International Emmy Award

Actor-comic Vir Das has become the first Indian to win the International Emmy Award for his Netflix stand-up special Vir Das: Landing in the best comedy category and has dedicated the honour to his home country, India.

The 51st International Emmy Awards Gala was held at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City on late Monday night.

This was the second nomination and maiden win in the segment for Das, who shared the trophy with the popular British teen sitcom Derry Girls season three.

Das said he has immense gratitude holding the International Emmy trophy for best comedy for Vir Das: Landing, his fourth stand-up special with the streamer.

"This one is for my team and for Netflix without whom this wouldn't have been possible.

"This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and to win this accolade for my fifth special with Netflix feels like a culmination of passion, perseverance, and the undying support of people around the globe who have given so much love to 'Vir Das: Landing'," the comedian said in a statement.

Das, also known for films such as Go Goa Gone and Delhi Belly, won the award for Vir Das: Landing, a show about what it means to be truly global while looking for home. His last stand-up special Vir Das: For India was nominated for an International Emmy in the Best Comedy category in 2021.

This award is not just a recognition of his work but a celebration of the diverse stories and voices from India, he said.

"Stories that make us laugh, reflect, and, most importantly, unite. This one is for India, for Indian comedy, and for the community of artists at large," the comic added.

The other nominees in the best comedy category were El Encargado from Argentina and French show Le Flambeau season two.

Every year, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences conducts the International Emmys with the aim to honour "the world's best television".

Renowned producer Ektaa R Kapoor was honoured with the International Emmy Directorate Award for significant contribution to the world of arts and entertainment.

Kapoor, co-founder of production house Balaji Telefilms, said she is delighted to receive the prestigious award. She is the first Indian woman filmmaker to be bestowed with the recognition.

"It brings me immense joy and happiness to be honoured at a global scale, such as this. I've always wanted to tell stories because they give me a chance to be heard, seen, and represented. 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," she said in a statement.

"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," she added.

Before Kapoor, media baron Subhash Chandra was presented with the Directorate Award in 2011.

Shefali Shah and Jim Sarbh were the other Indian artists to be nominated at the annual international awards ceremony.