South Africa has received two nominations ahead of this year’s International Emmy Awards. The nominations make it one of 21 countries in the running for awards.
The two nominations are for two shows: The Takalani Sesame Big Feelings Special and Die Brug [The Bridge South Africa]. The first is a children’s show competing in the Kids: Factual category; the other is a reality show nominated in the Non-Scripted Entertainment category.
South Africa is also represented in the list of the awards’ semi-final judging hosts, courtesy of Narendra Reddy, COO of the Cape Town-based The Africa Channel.
In a statement acknowledging the nomination of Takalani Sesame, Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director of Education and Outreach at Sesame Workshop International South Africa, said, “This nomination is a testament to the dedication of our team, in our quest to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Takalani Sesame’s Big Feelings Special is a labour of love, focused on teaching our strategic goal of emotional wellbeing to children and parents and folks of all ages across South Africa.
Takalani Sesame will be up against shows from the UK, the Netherlands, and Mexico.
Die Brug is up against reality shows from Mexico, Belgium, and Australia. It is produced by kykNET and Red Pepper, whose CEO, Cecil Barry, said, the show “is a very special format and somewhat of an enigma to produce.
“Working with kykNET on this wonderful format was indeed a great adventure and privilege. We are proud and excited about this Emmy nomination, especially because it brings international recognition to kykNET and Red Pepper.”
Both shows are up for awards at the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards. Takalani is nominated in the Best Children’s Programme category; Die Brug is a nominee in the Best International Format category.
“Every year the international television community competes to be recognized on the International Emmys’ much coveted global stage,” said Bruce L. Paisner, President and CEO of the International Academy. “We congratulate the Nominees for their outstanding programs and performances, they are once again a testament to the universal appeal of great storytelling across all genres, countries and cultures.”
The winners of the 2024 International Emmy Awards will be announced at a ceremony in New York City on Monday, 25 November.
