The Emmys have defended their decision to nominate Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda amid backlash from some entertainment industry professionals. Owda, recognized for her social media videos documenting life in Gaza, received a nomination for Outstanding Hard News Feature Story for her documentary It’s Bisan from Gaza and I’m Still Alive, produced with Al Jazeera’s AJ+.
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An open letter from the nonprofit Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) has called for the rescinding of her nomination, citing alleged connections to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Canada, and the European Union. The letter, endorsed by over 150 industry figures including actors Selma Blair and Debra Messing, claims Owda has previously spoken at events organized by the PFLP. CCFP’s executive director, Ari Ingel, criticized the nomination as “inexcusable.”
In response, Adam Sharp, CEO and President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), defended the nomination, stating that the documentary was reviewed by independent panels of judges. Sharp highlighted that the Emmys have a tradition of recognizing journalistic excellence, even with controversial content. He acknowledged reports of Owda’s past involvement with PFLP-related events but noted that NATAS has not been able to verify these allegations or find evidence of current involvement.
Al Jazeera supported the documentary, labeling the allegations as “baseless” and an attempt to suppress an important perspective on the conflict. Owda has not publicly addressed the controversy.
