Vir Das, ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ earn international Emmy nominations

Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Vir Das earned a nomination in the comedy category at the International Emmy Awards 2026, which also recognised Indian streaming show Real Kashmir Football Club in the drama series category.

This is Das’ third nomination at the prestigious television awards that recognise the best television programs initially produced and aired outside the United States. The awards on Wednesday unveiled 64 nominees across 16 categories and spanning 22 countries.

Das previously received an International Emmy nomination in the comedy category in 2021 for his special Vir Das: For India . He returned to the nominations in 2023 with Vir Das: Landing , winning the International Emmy for Comedy. He also hosted the ceremony in 2024.

This year, Das will compete with Division Palermo-season 2 from Argentina, Man Vs Baby from the UK, Old Dog, New Trick from Spain. All the shows in the category are from Netflix.

Sony LIV’s Real Kashmir Football Club has been recognised alongside the UK’s A Thousand Blows , France’s Carême and Argentina’s Menem in the Drama Series category.

The comedian said he is humbled by the nomination.

“Every few years, Netflix and I find a new reason to get together and make something slightly foolish… I mean, funny. I’m humbled all over again to be nominated for an International Emmy. Fool Volume is about silence — what it means to have a voice, and what happens when you actually use it. I’m deeply grateful to the jury, audiences, my team, and Netflix for giving me the space to make work I believe in. And to everyone who has laughed along the way — clearly, my delusion is contagious,” Das said in a statement.

Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India said, “Vir has always taken stand-up beyond the conventional format, bringing together distinctive settings, sharp humour and deeply personal storytelling. This third International Emmy nomination makes the moment especially meaningful... We are deeply proud of the partnership we have built with him and of how his authentic, Indian voice continues to connect with audiences around the world.”

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Starring Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul, Real Kashmir Football Club follows two men who set out to build a professional football team in Kashmir. What begins as a shared dream grows into a story of determination, community and the possibilities that football opens up for the people around them.

Ayyub said he hopes the Emmy recognition will help the show reach a wider audience.

"It is always special to see our labour of love reach people and receive recognition. This was an important and relevant story for us to tell, a story of resilience, courage and hard work."

"We dedicate this recognition to the people of Kashmir, their resilience and the struggles they have endured. I hope this nomination helps the story travel further and reach a wider audience," the actor said in a statement.

Mahesh Mathai, show-runner and co-director of Real Kashmir Football Club said they are honoured by the Emmy nomination.

“When you come across a great story, don't let it pass you by, grab a hold of it, nurture it, love it, and push it through that long tunnel. It will find the light. We are honoured that this special series has found global recognition through an Emmy nomination,” Mathai said.

The winners of the International Emmy Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony on November 23, 2026, in New York.