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UK dramas and comedies lead International Emmy wins in New York
British television dominated the 2025 International Emmy Awards on Monday, with Disney+'s Rivals named best drama and BBC's Ludwig taking best comedy at the New York ceremony. The awards honor non-U.S. productions, with UK series securing six of the 12 categories.
Rivals triumphs ahead of second series
The lavish Disney+ adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel Rivals-starring David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Emily Atack-won best drama for its portrayal of power struggles in the fictional English county of Rutshire. The series, which blends scandal and satire, is currently in production for a second season, with Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell joining the cast.
Anna Maxwell-Martin's double victory
Anna Maxwell-Martin became a standout winner, claiming best actress for her role in ITV's true-crime series Until I Kill You, based on Delia Balmer's memoir about her relationship with a serial killer. Maxwell-Martin also starred in the award-winning comedy-drama Ludwig, which follows a puzzle-writing recluse (David Mitchell) impersonating his missing twin to aid his sister-in-law (Maxwell-Martin). The BBC series, renewed for a follow-up, was praised for its sharp blend of mystery and humor.
UK documentaries and current affairs honored
BBC Two's Hell Jumper, a first-person documentary chronicling volunteers in Ukraine, won best documentary. Channel 4's Dispatches: Kill Zone-Inside Gaza, examining the impact of Israeli military operations on Palestinian civilians, took the current affairs prize.
The BBC also secured the TV movie/mini-series award for Lost Boys and Fairies, a drama about a gay couple navigating adoption, while Apple TV+'s Fallen-a coming-of-age story set in a youth rehab facility-won for best children's live-action program.
Global winners: From Bluey to Shaolin Heroes
Australia's Bluey, the globally beloved animated series, claimed the children's animation category. Denmark's Shaolin Heroes, a reality show following contestants training in martial arts, won for non-scripted entertainment. Spain's Oriol Pla was named best actor for his role in Disney+'s addiction drama Yo, Adicto.
What's next
With multiple UK winners already greenlit for new seasons-including Rivals and Ludwig-British producers are poised to extend their international momentum. The 2026 International Emmys will return to New York next November.
