Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda has won an Emmy News Award for her documentary titled “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive” at the 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmys.
The film earned the Outstanding Hard News Feature Story award in the short-form category, marking a significant acknowledgment of Palestinian voices on an international stage.
Earlier this year, there were calls from the U.S.-based nonprofit Creative Community For Peace to rescind the nomination, supported by a letter from prominent Hollywood figures. They alleged that Bisan had connections to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Despite these challenges, Bisan’s work received support from Adam Sharp, President of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), who confirmed that the nomination adhered to competition guidelines. Her film, which previously won a Peabody Award, depicts her family’s harrowing escape from bombardment in Gaza.
This Emmy win not only celebrates Bisan’s powerful storytelling but also underscores the crucial role of Palestinian journalists in documenting their realities amid ongoing conflict.
The News & Documentary Emmys aim to recognize excellence in journalism and documentary filmmaking, with this year’s awards making significant strides in amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices in mainstream media.
Reporting on Israel’s military actions has garnered multiple awards at the Emmys, with the Israel-Gaza conflict prominently featured among the winners.
CNN received the Emmy for Outstanding Breaking News Coverage for its extensive reporting on the conflict and also won for Outstanding Continuing News Coverage, leading the evening with a total of 11 awards.
