Maz Jobrani to Host the 45th International Emmy® Awards
New York, August 10, 2017 – The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced today that comedian and actor Maz Jobrani, known worldwide for his stereotype bending jokes and riffs about living as an Iranian immigrant in the United States, will host the International Emmy® Awards Gala, on Monday, November 20, 2017 in New York.
Jobrani has brought his unique talents to a wide variety of programs & live performances both in the United States and around the world. He has done everything from traditional stand-up comedy to more serious TED talks, collaborating on NPR radio as a regular panelist to writing a bestselling book. A founding member of the “Axis of Evil” comedy tour, he has also performed for the king of Jordan and at the White House for Michelle Obama. Jobrani’s comedy specials have aired on Comedy Central and Showtime and his latest special, “Immigrant,” premiered on Netflix, August 1.
“Maz Jobrani has been entertaining American and international audiences by using comedy to address prejudice and stereotypes around the world,” said Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “We look forward to having his unique brand of humor headlining our awards on November 20.”
Jobrani added: “I’m super excited to host the International Emmys. Although given our new immigration laws I’m not sure how many nominees will actually make it.”
Over 1000 international media and entertainment executives convene in New York each year for the International Emmy® Awards Gala. In addition to the presentation of Emmy®Awards for programming, the Academy will present two special awards.As previously announced two-time Academy Award winning actor and producer, Kevin Spacey willreceive the 2017 International Emmy® Founders Award and Emilio Azcárraga Jean, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Grupo Televisa will receive the 2017 International Emmy® Directorate Award.
This year’s Gala partners are: Phoenix Satellite Television, Globo, Ernst & Young, Deluxe, Mipcom, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and Variety.
About The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over 60 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. The Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the prestigious International Emmy® Awards held in New York, The International Emmy® Kids Awards at MIPTV and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, The International Emmy® World Television Festival and Panels on substantive industry topics. The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognizes excellence in television produced outside of the United States, as well as US Primetime programs produced in languages other than English, with the prestigious Emmy® Award. Currently celebrating programming across varied areas including: Arts Programming, Current Affairs, Comedy, Documentary, Drama Series, News, Non-Scripted Entertainment, Telenovela, and TV Movie/Mini-Series, it also recognizes excellence in Performances, Kids programming and Digital. For more information, go to www.iemmys.tv
Media Contacts
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Eva Obadia, Senior Director, Communications & Partnerships
Tel: 212-489-6969
eva.obadia@iemmys.tv
The Lippin Group
Matt Biscuiti
Tel: +1-212-986-7080
matt@lippingroup.com