Founded in 1969, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a membership based organization of leading media and entertainment figures from over 50 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. It is part of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; however, it operates under its own board of directors with a global focus. Today, it also recognizes excellence in U.S. programming with a Non-English language U.S. primetime programming category. The first International Emmy Awards, as we know them today, were carried out in 1973, and was organized by Ralph Baruch in a ceremony held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The event was attended by about 200 guests. Currently, the awards are presented at the International Emmy Awards Gala. Held each year in November at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, the Gala attracts over 1,000 major figures in broadcast, entertainment and media from around the world. The International Academy also presents News Emmys with US counterpart, and the International Emmy Kids Awards that are announced in Cannes as part of the MIPTV market in April. The three Interactive categories are also awarded at MIPTV. These are the only Emmys presented outside the United States.
Rules
The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences organizes competitions in several distinctive areas: Kids categories, News categories, and Programs and Performances categories. Any non-U.S. organization or individual may submit a program. Organizations or individuals who do not hold copyright ownership of a program must obtain consent from the rights owner before presenting a submission. This process is independent from membership. A television station or their representatives may never vote in the categories in which they are competing. The Academy does not participate in the trial. Who evaluates the registered programs are about 600 television professionals from 40 countries. The whole process is audited by Ernst & Young.
Categories
Currently, International Emmy Awards are given in the following categories: ;Program Categories
Arts Programming
Comedy Series
Current Affairs*
Documentary
Drama Series
News
Non-English Language U.S. Primetime Program
Non-Scripted Entertainment
Telenovela
Short-Form Series
TV Movie or Miniseries
;Performance Categories
Best Performance by an Actor
Best Performance by an Actress
;Kids Categories Presented at the International Emmy Kids Awards, February, New York City