The International Emmy Awards have increasingly become a platform to recognize and celebrate Indian artists, showcasing the country's rich storytelling and diverse talent on a global scale. Several Indian actors and comedians have shone brightly at the Emmys, earning nominations and wins for their outstanding contributions to television and streaming content.
One of the most recent Indian artists to receive an Emmy nomination is Diljit Dosanjh. In 2025, Dosanjh earned his first-ever International Emmy Award nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor category for his portrayal of the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila in the Netflix biopic Amar Singh Chamkila. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film chronicles Chamkila's rise to fame and his tragic death. Dosanjh's performance has been lauded for its authenticity and depth, capturing the essence of Chamkila's life and music. Reacting to the nomination, Dosanjh gave credit to Imtiaz Ali, the film's director. Amar Singh Chamkila also secured a nomination for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. Diljit will be competing against David Mitchell (Ludwig, UK), Oriol Pla (Yo, Adicto, Spain), and Diego Vasquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude, Colombia).
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is another Indian actor who has been recognized at the International Emmy Awards. In 2021, Siddiqui received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in the Netflix film Serious Men. In the movie, Siddiqui plays Ayyan Mani, a middle-aged man from a Mumbai slum who fabricates his son's genius status to secure a better life. Though he did not win, Siddiqui's nomination was a significant milestone, highlighting his growing recognition on the international stage. The award was ultimately won by David Tennant for his role in Des. Siddiqui reacted to his loss with a poem.
In 2023, Vir Das made history by winning the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Special for his Netflix stand-up special, Vir Das: Landing. This win marked a milestone not just for Das, but for the entire Indian comedy industry. Known for his sharp wit and fearless storytelling, Das has consistently pushed the boundaries of stand-up comedy, blending heartfelt laughter with thought-provoking commentary. Das became the first Indian to win an Emmy in this category, and his achievement was celebrated across the nation. He also became the first Indian ever to host the International Emmys.
Arjun Mathur earned India's first-ever International Emmy nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor category in 2020. He was nominated for his performance in 'Made in Heaven'.
These nominations and wins underscore the growing influence and recognition of Indian talent in the global television landscape. As Indian content continues to resonate with international audiences, the future looks promising for more such accolades for Indian actors, dramas, and stories on the global stage. The 53rd International Emmy Awards will be held in New York on November 24, 2025.