The 2025 International Emmy Awards have announced nominations in major scripted categories, highlighting global TV productions from streaming services and international studios. Standouts include the UK’s 'Rivals' with David Tennant and Alex Hassell, Israel’s empathetic 'Bad Boy,' and South Africa’s empowering 'Cake.' The selections underscore trends in safer yet ambitious storytelling across drama series, telenovelas, and miniseries.
Overview of Nominations
The International Emmy Awards nominations for 2025 reflect the dominance of global streaming platforms, with 10 of 20 spots in drama series, telenovelas, and miniseries going to services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon MGM Studios. This year's picks emphasize inclusive storytelling, from empathy-driven narratives to historical thrillers, while noting a trend toward broader audience appeal, including the streamers' first forays into daily soaps.
European public broadcasters and major studios also feature prominently, with productions like the UK's 'Rivals' from ITV Studios' Happy Prince and Germany's 'Herrhausen – The Banker and the Bomb' backed by ARD and sold by Fremantle. The awards highlight emerging talent and established stars, such as David Tennant as the cad Lord Baddingham and Alex Hassell as the aristocratic Rupert Campbell-Black in 'Rivals,' alongside Charlotte Hope in South Africa's 'Catch Me a Killer.'
Drama Series Nominees
Bad Boy (Israel, Sipur, The North Company): A Toronto premiere and Seriencamp winner, this series follows teen con Dean (Guy Menaster) in juvenile detention, exploring trauma and friendship with cellmate Zoro (Havtamo Freda). Written by talents behind 'No Man's Land' and Israeli 'Euphoria,' it offers a multi-layered homage to empathy.
Cake (Koek) (South Africa, Wolflight, Showmax): A dark comedic crime drama about housewife Christelle (Cindy Swanepoel) discovering her husband's infidelity and rediscovering her wild side while working for a strip club madame. Praised as a breakthrough for Afrikaans-language TV.
Rivals (UK, Happy Prince, Disney+): Adapting Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, this vibrant 'bonkbuster' depicts rivalry between aristo Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and TV mogul Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), filled with sex, puns, and Cotswold scenery. A critical hit from writer Dominic Treadwell-Collins and director Elliott Hegarty.
Women in Blue (Mexico, Lemon Studios): A gripping women's empowerment story turning tense as four recruits face a serial killer. It boasts a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for its detailed, unsettling narrative.
Telenovela Nominees
Crazy About You (Brazil, Globo): Reuniting creator João Emanuel Carneiro with star Adriana Esteves, this family-focused saga features strong women chefs and young talents like Agatha Moreira and Chay Suede.
The Good & The Bad (Deha) (Turkey, Ay Yapim): A fast-paced tale of maths genius Deva confronting his con-man father, written by Damla Serim and produced by Kerem Catay. A Seoul Drama Awards winner sold to over 40 territories.
Return to Las Sabinas (Spain, Disney+, Diagonal TV): Sisters return to their family estate, uncovering secrets amid romance and melodrama in verdant countryside north of Barcelona. Disney+'s first Spanish soap.
Valle Salvaje (Spain, Netflix/RTVE, Bambú Producciones): A period melodrama about spirited Luisa's arranged marriage in 1763 mountains, blending true love and schemes. From the studio behind International Emmy winner 'The Vow.'
Miniseries Nominees
Amar Singh Chamkila (Netflix, India/Punjabi): Imtiaz Ali's biopic of assassinated musician Amar Singh Chamkila (Diljit Dosanjh), using musical theater style. A global hit topping Netflix charts in South Asia.
Herrhausen – The Banker and the Bomb (Germany, Sperl Film): Cold War thriller on Deutsche Bank chairman Alfred Herrhausen's 1989 assassination (Oliver Masucci), advocating debt relief. A Series Mania screenplay winner sold by Fremantle.
Lost Boys & Fairies (UK, Duck Soup Films, BBC One): A tender Cardiff-set drama about a gay couple (Sion Daniel Young, Fra Fee) adopting, confronting past traumas. Created by Daf James, blending queer joy and heartbreak.
Victory or Death (Vencer o Morir) (Chile, Amazon MGM Studios, Parox): Based on 1986 guerrilla resistance against Pinochet, following Comandante Tamara (Cecilia Magni Camino) and Rodrigo (Raúl Alejandro Pellegrin Friedmann).
These nominations showcase original voices amid industry shifts toward safer crime variants and uplifting tales.