Mumbai, India – In a prestigious gathering hosted by JioCinema, the Indian streaming service operated by Viacom18, the industry’s leading figures convened to participate in the Semi-Final Round of Judging for the 52nd International Emmy® Awards. Held in Mumbai, the event featured a panel of esteemed jury members from the Indian film and television industry.
The judging panel included notable figures such as Tisca Chopra, Ranvir Shorey, Bhavani Iyer, Nitya Mehra, and Ranjeet Thakur, alongside other luminaries like Rahul V. Chitella, Suparn Verma, Kirti Kulhari, Sonali Kulkarni, Sameer Saxena, Abhinay Deo, Divya Dutta, Sandhya Mridul, and Oni Sen. Each brought their unique perspective, contributing to a diverse and experienced jury tasked with evaluating a wide array of international content.
This year’s semi-final round underscored the critical role of international collaboration in storytelling, illustrating how local narratives can gain global recognition. The event celebrated excellence in various television categories outside the United States, including Arts Programming, Drama Series, Non-Scripted Entertainment, and Children’s programming, highlighting the expansive nature of modern storytelling.
Jury member Ranvir Shorey expressed his excitement about the role, stating that partnering with the academy was a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating potent storytelling and diverse talent globally, which in turn enriches the storytelling framework across different cultures.
Tisca Chopra, participating for the first time as a jury member, shared her sense of privilege at being part of such an influential process. Chopra commented on the inspiring experience of witnessing firsthand the dedication and creativity that drive the global television industry.
Sonali Kulkarni, another member of the jury, noted the importance of celebrating content that breaks geographical boundaries. She lauded the Emmy’s role in promoting diverse cinematic expressions, which encompasses everything from regional cinema in India to mainstream Hindi and international films.
The International Emmy® Awards, by featuring such a diverse jury and a wide range of programming categories, emphasizes the universal appeal and power of storytelling. It’s an opportunity for stories that might otherwise go unnoticed to gain visibility and acclaim on an international stage.
The involvement of platforms like JioCinema highlights a growing trend where local streaming services are extending beyond their traditional boundaries and playing significant roles on the global stage. It reflects a broader shift towards more localized content gaining international appreciation, further bridging the gap between local storytelling and global audiences.
As the world of television continues to evolve, the International Emmy® Awards remain a testament to the industry’s adaptability and the universal appeal of compelling narratives. The fusion of different cultures, ideas, and storytelling techniques showcased in this event is a powerful reminder of the media’s role in shaping a globally connected and culturally diverse viewing experience.