Exclusive 37th International Emmy Awards Report Latest News
Written by Ted Reyes
Monday, 30 November 2009 12:09 A Night of legends and newcomersPhoto by Sheryl Garcia-Reyes
NEW YORK– A lazy drizzle blanketed the illuminated Midtown Manhattan night sky when The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences showered its honors to its deserving winners in the TV universe.
In attendance were legends who have etched their legacies in popular consciousness throughout the years as well as newcomers, who laid their first milestones. It was after all the 37th International Emmy Awards Gala Night, and from the onset, no disturbance –natural or man-made- would wash out the glitz and glamour of the special night.
Sir David Frost, recipient of the Founders Award and preeminent knight of British televised journalism, stood along side Filipino Angel Locsin, who received her very first Emmy nomination for best actress. The legendary Barbara Walters rubbed elbows with Filipinos representing the networks that got nominations for best telenovela: Marvin T. Arayata, and Anneli Christine T. Arayata of GMA 7 for "Magdusa Ka;" Carmen Soo and Lourdes D. Tanwangco of ABS-CBN for their telenovela "A Time for Us." American statesman Henry Kissinger dined with actor Chen Li, who came all the way from mainland China. It was truly a global event rightfully covered by the international press.
The event was hosted by British television personality Graham Norton. Mr. Norton is known for his British programs, "So Graham Norton" and "V Graham Norton," which allowed him to win several awards, including four BAFTAS. He’s now working on a new BBC series called "The Graham Norton Show."
There were high hopes for the Filipino nominees to bring home Emmys, however, it was not to be so.
Angel Locsin, who stunned the global press and fellow gala attendees with her beauty and elegance lost, to British actress Julie Walters in the Best Performance by an Actress category. Ms. Locsin was nominated for her compelling performance in the series "Lobo (Wolf)," while Ms. Walters, who was not present to receive the award that was presented by Paul Schulze and multi-Emmy winner Edie Falco, won for her role in the BBC series "A Short Stay in Switzerland." Ms. Falco, who played Carmela Soprano in the hit HBO series "The Soprano's" received the Emmy in behalf of Ms. Walters, whom Ms. Falco said was "in England shooting the new Harry Potter movie."
"I am ok," Ms. Locsin told the FIlipino Express in an interview after the event. " At least there's no more pressure on my back. I am just so happy to be nominated and be with all these stars here in New York."
The two Filipino telenovelas "Magdusa Ka," and "A Time for Us" also lost in their category to a Brazilian program called "India–A Love Story." The award for best telenovela was presented by American idol runner up, Katherine McPhee.
A special award was given to Prof.Markus Schachter, Director General of German TV network ZDF. Prof. Schachter received the Directorate Award from presenter Henry Kissinger for making his network one of the biggest not only in Europe but also in the world. He brought German television to the digital age with his work spanning 25 years.
"It is a great honor to be here and receive this award from the academy," Prof. Schachter said. "I am also very happy to receive it from Mr. Kissinger, whom I admire so much."
Sir David Frost received the Founders Award from Ms. Barbara Walters. Ms. Walters called Sir Frost the best interviewer in the history of television. She cited his unique style of putting his interviewees at ease with his smooth talk and pleasant demeanor, while at the same time getting the most difficult and important answers from them. Case in point was the historic TV interview Sir Frost had with then former US President Richard Nixon. The fiery and revealing exchange between the two men was further immortalized by last year's Oscar nominated film "Frost/Nixon."
Sir Frost is the only person to have interviewed all seven British Prime Ministers serving between 1964 and 2009 and the seven American presidents in office between 1969 and 2008. He also interviewed royalty, athletes, heroes, and pop stars–mostnotably John and Yoko.
"I am thrilled to receive this award and be in the same league as Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey," he said in his acceptance speech.
The last award was for the Best TV Movie/Mini series category, which is equivalent to an Oscar best picture award. The Emmy went to "The Wolves of Berlin," a German production about a young gang starting in post war Berlin. The story follows the "wolves" through the building of the Berlin wall until its fall in 1989.
Complete list of Emmy winners/Special awards recipients and the presenters.Best Drama Series: The Protectors (Denmark). Presented by Ed Westwick.
Best Non-Scripted Entertainment: The Phone (The Netherlands). Presented by Juliana Paes and Rachel Roy.
Best Children and Young People Program: Dustbin Baby (United Kingdom). Presented by Keke Palmer.
Best Arts Programming: The Mona Lisa Curse (United Kingdom). Presented by Paula Zahn.
Best Telenovela: India–A Love Story (Brazil). Presented by Katherine McPhee.
Best Performance by an Actor: Ben Shaw (United Kingdom). Presented by Stephanie March and Matthew Bomer
Best Comedy: Hoshi Shinichi's Short Shorts (Japan). Presented by Matthew Rhys and Alexa Chung
Best Documentary: The Ascent of Money (United Kingdom). Presented by Moby.
Best Performance by an Actress: Julie Waters (United Kingdom). Presented by Edie Falco and Paul Schulze.
Directorate Award: Professor Markus Schachter (Germany) Presented by Henry Kissinger
Founders Award: Sir David Frost (United Kingdom). Presented by Barbara Walters
Best TV Movie/Mini Series: The Wolves of Berlin (Germany). Presented by Robert joy and Mar Saura .