International Emmy Awards: Shefali Shah, Jim Sarbh, Vir Das bag nominations

Mumbai: The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on Tuesday announced the nominations of Indian actors Shefali Shah, Jim Sarbh and Vir Das for the International Emmy Awards 2023.

While Shah and Sarbh received nominations in acting categories for their shows “Delhi Crime” and “Rocket Boys”, respectively, Das landed a nod for his Netflix comedy special “Landing”.

Shah (50) is nominated in the best performance by an actress category for the second season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series. Earlier, the first season of “Delhi Crime” won the International Emmy for the best drama series in 2020, the first ever for India.

In a statement, she said, “I can’t find the words to describe what I’m feeling. ‘Delhi Crime’ is such a special project to me. While the first season of the show brought home the award in 2020, being nominated in the Best Actress category for ‘Delhi Crime’ season two is just overwhelming”.

In the category, Shah is nominated alongside Connie Nielsen for Danish series “Drommeren”, Billie Piper for British show “I Hate Suzie Too” and Karla Souza for Mexican series “La Caida”.

Sarbh has received a nod in the best performance by an actor category for playing nuclear physicist Homi Bhabha, regarded as the Father of India’s nuclear programme, in “Rocket Boys”, the SonyLIV series created by filmmaker Nikkhil Advani.

“I am overwhelmed and excited to be nominated under the best actor category at the International Emmy Awards for my portrayal of Dr. Homi Bhabha in ‘Rocket Boys’. It is an honour to be recognised amongst such talented individuals from across the world,” the 36-year-old actor said in a statement.

“This nomination is a testament to the hard-working, dedicated, and extremely talented cast and crew, who brought the incredible story of Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Bhabha to life. I loved working on ‘Rocket Boys’, a project that salutes India’s scientists, artists, and leaders, the pioneers of a newly birthed nation,” he added.

Sarbh will face competition from Gustavo Bassani of “Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido” (Argentina), British actor Martin Freeman for “The Responder” and Jonas Karlsson for Swedish series “Nattryttarna”.

Das’ stand-up special “Landing” is nominated in the comedy category. The other nominees are “Derry Girls” season three from the UK, “El Encargado” from Argentina and French show “Le Flambeau” season two.

The 44-year-old actor-comedian said receiving an International Emmy nomination is an “incredible honour”.

“To be a comedy special from India nominated against massive TV shows from across the globe in a category like comedy. I’m just very glad to be able to represent India, Indian comedy and Indian stand up. This ride has been crazy and I’m so thankful for everyone who made this happen – my hardworking team, and of course, Netflix India for putting ‘Vir Das: Landing’ on the map,” Das added.

The International Emmy Awards ceremony will be held in New York City on November 20.

The ceremony will also see film producer Ektaa R Kapoor being honoured with the Directorate Award for her “trailblazing career and impact on the Indian television landscape”.

With inputs from PTI