UK television delivered a standout performance at this year’s International Emmy Awards, with multiple British titles taking home major honours across drama, comedy, documentary, and children’s programming.
Two of the biggest winners were Rivals and Ludwig. Rivals the Disney+ adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s classic novel—claimed the award for best drama. Featuring David Tennant, Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, the series dives into the power plays and scandals of the fictional Rutshire elite. The show’s global recognition comes just as production for its second season gets underway, with Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell joining the cast.
BBC’s Ludwig, a quirky detective comedy starring Anna Maxwell-Martin and David Mitchell, secured the best comedy award. It follows puzzle maker John Taylor, played by Mitchell, who agrees to impersonate his missing twin to unravel a family mystery. The series, which first aired in late 2024, has already been renewed for a follow-up.
The night was especially memorable for Maxwell-Martin, who also earned best actress for her compelling performance in ITV’s Until I Kill You, a true-crime adaptation based on Delia Balmer’s harrowing autobiography.
Spanish actor Oriol Pla won best actor for his role in Yo, Adicto, a Disney+ drama centred on a man confronting his addiction with professional help.
Other UK winners included BBC Two’s Hell Jumper, honoured as best documentary for its immersive storytelling from volunteers in Ukraine. Channel 4’s Dispatches won in the current affairs category for its episode Kill Zone: Inside Gaza, examining the lives of Palestinians affected by Israeli military actions.
The BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies, portraying a gay couple navigating the adoption process, captured the TV movie/miniseries award. Apple TV’s Fallen triumphed in the children’s live-action category, following a teenager adjusting to life in a rehab centre.
Beyond the UK, Australian favourite Bluey won for children’s animation, while Denmark’s reality series Shaolin Heroes earned the award for non-scripted entertainment.
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