UK Productions Shine at the International Emmy Awards

British television made a commanding impression at this year’s International Emmy Awards in New York, with acclaimed series Rivals and Ludwig capturing two of the ceremony’s most prestigious honours. The wins solidify the UK’s continued presence as a global powerhouse in storytelling, performance, and production.

Rivals Wins Best Drama

Adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel, Rivals took home the award for Best Drama. Featuring a dynamic cast including David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Emily Atack, the Disney Plus series dives into the scandalous entanglements of the elite in the fictional English county of Rutshire.
The series’ international success arrives just ahead of its second season, which will introduce new cast members Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell.

Ludwig Earns Best Comedy

BBC’s detective comedy-drama Ludwig was named Best Comedy, marking another major victory for British television. Starring Anna Maxwell-Martin and David Mitchell, the series follows puzzle enthusiast John Taylor, who reluctantly impersonates his missing twin brother to assist his sister-in-law in solving a mysterious disappearance.
A follow-up season is already in the works after the show’s strong debut in late 2024.

A Standout Night for Anna Maxwell-Martin

Beyond Ludwig’s success, Maxwell-Martin secured the Best Actress award for her gripping portrayal in ITV’s Until I Kill You, an adaptation of Delia Balmer’s memoir detailing her harrowing relationship with a serial killer. Her performance has been widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.

International Honors for Spanish and Australian Productions

Spanish actor Oriol Pla won Best Actor for his intense performance in Yo, Adicto, a Disney Plus drama centered on addiction and personal recovery.
Meanwhile, Australia’s globally beloved animated series Bluey captured the award for Best Children’s Animation.

More Wins for UK-Made Productions

The UK’s strong showing continued with several additional category wins:

• Best Documentary: BBC Two’s Hell Jumper, spotlighting the firsthand experiences of volunteers in Ukraine.
• Best Current Affairs: Channel 4’s Dispatches for its episode Kill Zone: Inside Gaza, a powerful investigation into the lives of Palestinian civilians affected by military conflict.
• Best TV Movie/Mini-Series: Lost Boys and Fairies, a BBC drama exploring the emotional journey of a gay couple navigating adoption.
• Best Children’s Live Action: Apple TV’s Fallen, a compelling story about a teenager adjusting to life inside a rehabilitation facility.

Non-Scripted Entertainment Recognized

Rounding out the evening, Denmark’s Shaolin Heroes won Best Non-Scripted Entertainment for its engaging portrayal of contestants embracing the disciplined world of martial arts.

A Defining Year for British Television

This year’s International Emmy Awards underscored the breadth and quality of UK programming. With wins spanning drama, comedy, documentary, and children’s content, British storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide with originality, emotional resonance, and exceptional craft. The remarkable achievements of Rivals, Ludwig, and other UK productions signal a thriving era for UK television—one driven by creative risk-taking, bold adaptation, and world-class performances.