
International Emmy Awards 2023: Vir Das’ ‘Landing’ Wins Best Comedy, Karla Souza Best Actress
The splendor of the 2023 International Emmy Awards took place on a Monday night (Tuesday morning in India) against the sparkling backdrop of New York, shining a light on the best in television around the world. In the middle of all the glitter and glamor, India came out on top, winning two coveted Emmys that marked a new chapter in the country’s growing history in the global television scene. With the win of the coveted International Emmy for Best Comedy for his Netflix special “Vir Das: Landing,” the spotlight shone brightly on Vir Das, a superstar in the comedy world of India. This comedic victory was shared with Netflix’s UK series “Derry Girls,” indicating a significant win for Das and demonstrating the universal appeal of a variety of comedic stories.
Karla Souza also made history at the celebration by winning Best Actress for her outstanding performance in the Mexican sports drama “Dive.” Surpassing fierce competition, such as the highly regarded Shefali Shah, who was nominated for Season 2 of Netflix’s “Delhi Crime,” which had previously won the Best Drama prize at the 2020 International Emmys, Souza’s victory was especially noteworthy.
Netflix, a major streaming provider known for innovative programming, attracted notice when it received two nominations for Best Comedy. The dominant streaming platform received praise for both “Vir Das: Landing” and the UK series “Derry Girls.” A delightful twist occurred when both entries shared the Best Comedy Series title, highlighting the platform’s ability to curate content with a wide range of comedic nuances and an appeal to a global audience.
Beyond the comedy category, Martin Freeman received recognition as the Best Actor for his compelling role in the drama series “The Responder.” This honor demonstrated the breadth and depth of talent honored at the International Emmy Awards and added another feather to Freeman’s illustrious cap.
Dramatically speaking, “The Empress, Sommerhaus Series” won Best Drama Series. This riveting German production wowed both reviewers and viewers. In the meantime, “Mariupol: The People’s Story,” a joint production from Top Hat Productions, Hayloft Productions, and the BBC in the UK, won the Best Documentary title. This film emphasizes the importance of storytelling in capturing the human experience.
Indian talent was also duly acknowledged on a global scale, with Jim Sarbh receiving a nomination for Best Actor in the category for his dominant performance in the Indian aerospace drama “Rocket Boys.” This recognition signaled a new era for Indian actors and artists and highlighted the increasing influence of Indian stories on the global stage.
The 2023 International Emmy Directorate Award was given to Ekta Kapoor, co-founder of Balaji Telefilms, as a unique tribute to her long-standing contributions to the industry. This esteemed award highlighted Kapoor’s leadership and significant influence in the ever-changing television and entertainment industries, in addition to her personal accomplishments.
An industry pioneer in the Indian comedy scene, Vir Das made history by winning an International Emmy for two consecutive years with “Vir Das: Landing.” With this historic victory, an Indian comedian became the first person to win this prestigious international award. Das’ victory reverberates throughout the global comedy landscape, sharing the limelight with “Derry Girls” Season 3. This indicates the growing recognition of Indian comedians on the international scene.
A wide range of winners at the 2023 International Emmy Awards served as a monument to the depth and diversity of television programming around the world. Each award represented not only personal success but also the ability of storytelling as a collective to bridge national boundaries and unite audiences across the globe. As a symbol of international acclaim, the International Emmy Awards are a platform that honors storytelling in all of its forms and encourages a mutual appreciation for the variety of stories that enhance the television industry.

The entire list of 2023 International Emmy Award winners is as follows:
Best Actress: Karla Souza in “La Caida” (Dive)
Best Actor: Martin Freeman in “The Responder”
Best Comedy: Vir Das for “Vir Das: Landing” and “Derry Girls” Season 3
Best TV Movie/Mini-Series: “La Caida” (Dive)
Best Non-Scripted Entertainment: “A Ponte: The Bridge Brasil”
Best Short-Form Series: “Des Gens Bien Ordinaires” (A Very Ordinary World)
Best Factual And Entertainment For Kids: “Built To Survive” Best Documentary: “Mariupol: The People’s Story”
Best Sports Documentary: “Harley and Katya”
Best Arts Programming: “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On” Best Telenovela: “Yargi” (Family Secrets)
Best Animation for Kids: “The Smeds and The Smoos”
The wide range of winners showcases the creativity and talent from around the globe, reflecting the richness and diversity of global television content. The International Emmy Awards remain a global platform that honors narrative in all of its forms, bridging national boundaries and uniting viewers everywhere.