Diljit Dosanjh Misses Out on International Emmy Glory
The 53rd International Emmy Awards, held at the New York Hilton Midtown on Monday, November 24, 2025, saw one of India's most anticipated nominations fall short. Diljit Dosanjh, who received widespread praise for his powerful portrayal of Punjabi folk legend Amar Singh Chamkila, lost the Best Performance by an Actor award.
The Winner and the Competition
The prestigious trophy was claimed by Spanish actor Oriol Pla for his work in 'Yo, Adicto' (I, Addict). Dosanjh was in a highly competitive category, which also featured acclaimed performances from David Mitchell for the UK series 'Ludwig' and Diego Vasquez for 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'.
This was not the only disappointment for the Indian contingent. 'Amar Singh Chamkila', the Imtiaz Ali-directed biopic, was also nominated in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category. However, the award was ultimately secured by the United Kingdom's 'Lost Boys & Fairies', a production from Duck Soup Films.
A Star-Studded Presence on the Red Carpet
Despite the loss, Diljit Dosanjh and director Imtiaz Ali represented Indian cinema with style at the prestigious global event. Dosanjh made a striking impression on the red carpet, embodying his unique Punjabi flair. He wore a glittering jacket over a white shirt, complemented by his classic black turban, turning heads and capturing the attention of international media.
About the Acclaimed Biopic: Amar Singh Chamkila
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Netflix biopic 'Amar Singh Chamkila' chronicles the incredible and tragic story of the iconic Punjabi folk singer. The film explores his meteoric rise to fame and his untimely death, focusing on how his bold and unfiltered lyrics resonated deeply with the masses, particularly women navigating the strict societal norms of his era.
The film, which was released globally on April 12, 2024, features Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot, Chamkila's second wife and musical partner. The movie's soundtrack, composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, was met with widespread critical and audience acclaim. The project was hailed as a strong creative comeback for director Imtiaz Ali.
International Emmy Awards 2025: Complete Winners List
Here is a look at the key winners from the 53rd International Emmy Awards ceremony:
- Arts Programming: Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days (Japan)
- Best Actor: Oriol Pla, Yo, adicto (I, Addict) (Spain)
- Best Actress: Anna Maxwell Martin, Until I Kill You (United Kingdom)
- Comedy: Ludwig (United Kingdom)
- Documentary: Hell Jumper (United Kingdom)
- Kids – Animation: Bluey (Australia)
- Non-Scripted Entertainment: Shaolin Heroes (Denmark)
- TV Movie/Mini-Series: Lost Boys & Fairies (United Kingdom)
While the coveted award eluded him this time, Diljit Dosanjh's nomination itself marks a significant moment for Indian talent on a global platform, bringing a powerful Indian story to the world's attention.
