The semi-final round of judging for the 2025 International Emmy® Awards in the Comedy category was held in Sofia today.
United Media and Nova Broadcasting Group, the hosts of this significant event, gathered 11 experts in the field of television and film to evaluate the best content. The combined knowledge and professionalism of the jury members were key in selecting the programs that would advance to the final round of the competition. Among the esteemed jury members were Nataša Buljan – Director of Fiction Development and Head of Content Development at United Media, who has developed, co-authored and written scripts for numerous successful TV formats; Viara Ankova – Chief Operating Officer of Nova Broadcasting Group and one of the most prominent television professionals in Bulgaria and a member of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; and Sanja Tucman – Director of Production at Nova TV (Croatia), under whose leadership a number of the most watched projects in that country have been created.
Acclaimed and famous Croatian actors Ecija Ojdanić and Filip Juričić brought a unique perspective to the judging process. Bulgarian producer Martichka Bozhilova, known for her documentaries and international co-productions, and Serbian actor, producer and director Gordan Kičić, respected for his versatility and memorable roles in comedy, drama and international projects, were also members of the jury.
The jury also included Bulgarian director, producer and screenwriter Viktor Chouchkov, whose feature film was selected as the official Bulgarian entry for the Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 84th Academy Awards. He was joined by Boya Harizanova, a Bulgarian director and screenwriter with over 20 years of experience in successful television projects and comedies. Actress, director and writer Zdrava Kamenova, together with writer Ivan Angelov, made a valuable contribution thanks to their extensive knowledge of comedies and entertainment TV shows in Bulgaria.
United Media proudly continued its presence in the selection process for the most prestigious television awards in the world in 2025, for the fourth consecutive year, within the framework of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. With 120 media brands and more than 40.000 hours of original content produced annually in eight countries, the company is privileged to entertain and inform a market of 40 million people. The winners in 16 categories will be announced on November 24 at the 53rd International Emmy® Awards ceremony in New York.
O UNITED MEDIA:
United Media is part of the United Group and is a leading media company in Southeastern Europe, operating in eight countries. With 4.200 employees, United Media annually produces more than 40.000 hours of original content that is distributed to a market of over 40 million people through leading international operators. The company has more than 120 media in its portfolio – more than 60 television channels, 45 portals that are leaders in terms of visits in the countries in which they operate, 9 print publications and 5 radio stations. This broad portfolio provides unique and competitive advertising opportunities.
O NOVA BROADCASTING GROUP:
Nova Broadcasting Group is one of the largest multiplatform media and technology companies in Bulgaria and is part of the United Media portfolio. The Group is undergoing a period of extremely dynamic development, offering clients and partners a rich range of media channels – 11 television channels, four radio stations, numerous websites and digital platforms, as well as two print publications. Nova Broadcasting Group produces series in almost all genres and has been actively supporting the Bulgarian film industry and its development in recent years.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES:
The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents the prestigious Emmy® Award for excellence in television production outside the United States at the International Emmy® Awards ceremony held each November in New York City. Awards are presented in a variety of categories, including comedy, documentary, drama, children's programming, news, unscripted entertainment, acting, and short form. Two special awards are also presented – the International Emmy® Director's Award and the Founder's Award. In addition to its awards activities, the Academy is a membership-based organization, bringing together leading media and entertainment figures from more than 60 countries and all sectors of television. It organizes a series of high-profile business, social, and networking events around the world and online. More information is available at https://www.iemmys.tv
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