New York – Sony Pictures Television Networks president Andy Kaplan, a Director of the International Academy, will serve as Gala Chair for the 45thInternational Emmy Awards, which will take place on Monday, November 20, 2017 in New York City. Kaplan oversees Sony Pictures Television Networks’ distinguished portfolio of popular branded entertainment channels reaching nearly two billion subscribers around the world.
Kaplan will preside over the Gala, during which the International Academy will recognize programming in eleven program categories and present Special Awards to Kevin Spaceyand Emilio Azcárraga Jean. Spacey is a two-time Academy Award winning actor and producer and star of hit series House of Cards. Azcárraga is Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Grupo Televisa, the world’s largest Spanish-language content provider and Mexico’s largest broadcaster and pay television provider. Spacey will receive the Founders Emmy and Azcárraga will receive the Directorate Emmy.
“Andy and I have worked together on many projects over the years and I greatly admire his professionalism and knowledge of the business,” said Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
“We’re proud to have him as our 2017 Gala Chair.”“I am honored to chair this year’s gala, an unparalleled showcase for the kind of emerging global talent we celebrate on Sony’s worldwide media networks. The International Emmy Awards is a truly special event, one that takes pride in honoring extraordinary creators and visionaries whose work touches fans across the globe in a deep and meaningful way,” said Kaplan.
Based at Sony Pictures headquarters in Culver City, California, Kaplan leads the company’s global television networks and investments, with over 180 channel feeds reaching nearly two billion subscribers around the world. Under Kaplan’s leadership, Sony’s networks portfolio has rapidly grown to include some of the most popular media brands in North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, including Crackle, the multi-platform streaming service with popular TV shows, original series and feature films available on every screen; GSN, which offers original and classic game show programming and an online digital game platform; AXN, offering international audiences the best in U.S. entertainment with an edge; ANIMAX, the premiere brand in Japanese anime; and Sony Channel, representing the best quality U.S. entertainment.
In addition to his role at the International Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences, Kaplan additionally serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NATPE, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zimmer Children’s Museum, and Chairman of the Board of Governors for the USC Annenberg School’s Center for the Digital Future, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.
The 2017 International Emmy nominees will be announced late September. This year’s sponsors, to date, include, Ernst & Young, Globo, Mipcom, Phoenix Satellite Television, Sofitel and Variety.
