Vir Das becomes first Indian to host 2024 International Emmy awards ceremony
New Delhi: Actor-comedian Vir Das has been announced as the host for the 52nd edition of the International Emmy Awards, making him the first Indian to emcee the event held annually in the US. The ceremony will be held in New York City on November 25.
It marks Das’ return to the International Emmy stage after he won the best comedy award for his ‘Netflix’ stand-up special ‘Vir Das: Landing’ in 2023. The actor-comedian, also known for films such as ‘Go Goa Gone’ and ‘Delhi Belly’, said that he looks forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of ‘peers and bringing a touch of humour and joy to this prestigious night’.
“Returning to the International Emmy Awards, this time as the host is a deeply personal and exhilarating moment for me. The Emmys have always been a beacon of excellence and a celebration of diverse stories from around the world. Having won an ‘Emmy’ last year for ‘Landing’, I feel a profound connection to this event and am incredibly honoured to play a central role in it,” Das said.
Organised by the New York-based ‘International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ (IATAS), the International Emmys are presented in recognition of the best television programs produced and aired outside the United States.
“We’re delighted to welcome back Vir Das to our stage and to add International Emmy Host to his impressive list of talents,” Bruce L Paisner, IATAS President and CEO, said.
“With his unique humour and perspective on the world, he now joins a distinguished group of gala hosts over the years who fit in perfectly with our global audience,” he added.
At the 2023 International Emmys, Das shared the trophy with the popular British teen sitcom ‘Derry Girls’ season three. It was his second nomination and maiden win in the segment. His previous stand-up special ‘Vir Das: For India’ was nominated for an International Emmy in the best comedy category in 2021.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
