The Emmy Awards, a prestigious celebration of television excellence, has a glaring issue that's preventing some of the best international shows from receiving the recognition they deserve. In an era where streaming platforms have broken down geographical barriers, the Emmys' rules seem outdated and exclusionary.
The Problem with Eligibility
The drama series category, for instance, was dominated by returning shows, with a notable absence of the Canadian-made, HBO Max sensation, "Heated Rivalry." This steamy queer romance, a breakout hit of the past winter, showcased the talent of Connor Storrie, who became the year's sole SNL performer nominee. Yet, due to its Canadian origins, it was ineligible for the Primetime Emmys and instead directed towards the International Emmys, a separate ceremony with less visibility.
Missing Out on Greatness
This exclusionary practice extends to other exceptional shows. Take "Mussolini: Son of the Century," directed by Oscar nominee Joe Wright. This epic Italian drama, streamed on Mubi, is one of Wright's finest works, yet it couldn't compete for Primetime Emmys due to its international production. Similarly, "Families Like Ours," directed by Oscar-winning Thomas Vinterberg, and "The Other Bennet Sister," a cross-continental smash hit, were left out of the Primetime Emmys race.
Strategic Submissions and the Need for Change
Some shows, like "Heated Rivalry," are clear-cut cases of ineligibility, while others, like "Baby Reindeer," were strategic submissions. The good news is that there's hope for reform. The Academy and the National Academy, which oversee the Primetime and International Emmys, respectively, have announced exploratory talks to merge for the first time since 1977. This potential merger could put an end to the segmentation that has limited the recognition of international shows.
Globalizing the Emmys
Expanding the Emmys' parameters to include more international shows would not only elevate the quality of nominated work but also shine a light on hidden gems. The Oscars have already taken steps in this direction, nominating more non-English language films for Best Picture each year. As Bong Joon Ho, director of the acclaimed "Parasite," said, overcoming the barrier of subtitles opens up a world of amazing films and TV shows. The Emmys should take note and embrace this global perspective.
A Call for Inclusion
In an age where media consumption knows no borders, it's time for the Emmys to catch up. By embracing international talent and storytelling, the awards can become even more prestigious and representative of the diverse world of television. Let's hope the potential merger of the Primetime and International Emmys is a step towards this inclusive future.
