The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has unveiled its nominations for the 2026 International Emmy Awards, and the Spanish daily series "Valle Salvaje" has once again secured a coveted spot in the Best Telenovela category. This marks the second consecutive year that the La 1 production has been recognized on the global stage, highlighting its consistent appeal and critical acclaim. The academy announced the full slate of candidates on Wednesday, underscoring the growing international presence of high-quality television programming from around the world.
"Valle Salvaje’s" journey to this year’s nominations is a testament to its compelling storytelling and production values. The series, which premiered on La 1 in September 2024, has captivated audiences with its period drama set in 18th-century Asturias. Created by Josep Cister and a collaborative effort between RTVE, Bambú Producciones, and StudioCanal, the telenovela tells the story of Adriana, a young woman forced to leave Madrid for an arranged marriage in the Asturian countryside in 1763. The narrative delves into themes of duty, love, and societal constraints, set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
This latest nomination follows a strong showing in the 2025 International Emmy Awards, where "Valle Salvaje" also competed in the Best Telenovela category. While the award that year ultimately went to "Deha," the inclusion of "Valle Salvaje" alongside other notable contenders like "Mania de Você" and "Regreso a las Sabinas" signaled its emergence as a significant player in international television. The Academy’s decision to nominate the series for a second time speaks volumes about the sustained quality and resonance of its second season, which aired between March and August 2025.
The 2026 International Emmy Awards will feature a diverse field of 64 nominees across 16 categories, representing 22 countries. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony scheduled for November 23rd in New York City, a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in television produced outside the United States.
Fierce Competition in the Best Telenovela Category
This year, "Valle Salvaje" faces stiff competition from three formidable international productions. Two of its rivals hail from Turkey, produced by the renowned Ay Yapım: "Uzak Şehir" ("In Distant Land") and "Leyla." The fourth contender is the Brazilian telenovela "Garota do Momento," a production from the esteemed TV Globo.
The inclusion of two Ay Yapım productions underscores the Turkish television industry’s significant global footprint and its ability to create narratives that resonate with international audiences. Ay Yapım has a proven track record of producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful series, many of which have achieved widespread popularity worldwide.
‘Uzak Şehir’ (‘In Distant Land’): A Familiar Rival for Spanish Viewers
For Spanish audiences, "Uzak Şehir" is a particularly recognizable competitor, airing in Spain under the title "En tierra lejana" on Antena 3. The series premiered in Turkey on Kanal D on November 11, 2024, and made its debut in Spain in February of the following year, with its initial episodes strategically spread across three nights to maximize viewership.
Created by Gülizar Irmak and brought to life by Ay Yapım and AyNA Yapım, "Uzak Şehir" tells the poignant story of Alya. Driven by her late husband’s final wishes, Alya embarks on a journey from Canada to Mardin with her son. Upon arrival, she finds herself confronting the complex dynamics of her deceased husband’s family and unearthing long-held secrets. The series stars Sinem Ünsal as Alya and Ozan Akbaba as Cihan, anchoring the emotional core of the narrative.
In Turkey, "Uzak Şehir" is currently airing its third season, which commenced on Kanal D on September 14, 2024, with its 64th episode. The latest season has seen some notable cast changes, with the departures of actors like Ferit Kaya, Alper Çankaya, and Burç Kümbetlioğlu. The introduction of Mehmet Korhan Fırat as Ufuk adds a new dynamic to the ongoing storyline. The series’ sustained run and its transition into a third season highlight its enduring appeal within its domestic market and its successful penetration into international broadcasting.
‘Leyla’: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
The second Turkish nominee, "Leyla," also originates from the prolific Ay Yapım. This series premiered on the NOW channel on September 11, 2024, on Wednesday evenings and is filmed in the Sarıyier district of Istanbul.
Directed by Hilal Saral, "Leyla" is an adaptation of the successful Brazilian telenovela "Avenida Brasil." The plot centers on Leyla, a young woman whose life is irrevocably altered when her mother dies in her childhood, and she is subsequently abandoned at a landfill by her stepmother, Nur. Years later, Leyla returns with a burning desire for revenge against Nur, and her path crosses with her first love during this quest.
The titular role of Leyla is portrayed by Cemre Baysel, who leads a cast that includes Alperen Duymaz, Gonca Vuslateri, and Yiğit Kirazcı. The series also features seasoned actors such as Zeyno Eracar, Mustafa Avkıran, and Cengiz Bozkurt, adding depth and experience to the ensemble. The adaptation of a globally recognized format like "Avenida Brasil" suggests a strategic approach by Ay Yapım to leverage existing narrative success while infusing it with a fresh cultural perspective.
‘Garota do Momento’: A Brazilian Period Piece
Completing the quartet of nominees in the Best Telenovela category is "Garota do Momento," a production from Brazil’s TV Globo. This "novela das seis" (six o’clock novela) aired from November 4, 2024, to June 27, 2025, spanning a total of 202 episodes. The series was penned by Alessandra Poggi and directed by Jeferson De and Natália Grimberg.
Set in the vibrant Rio de Janeiro of the 1950s, "Garota do Momento" was filmed in iconic locations such as Copacabana, Glória, and Petrópolis. The story follows Beatriz, a young teacher who stumbles upon a clue leading to her missing mother. Her journey of discovery propels her into the competitive and glamorous world of fashion and advertising.
The lead role of Beatriz is brought to life by Duda Santos, supported by a cast including Fábio Assunção, Lilia Cabral, and Maísa, who makes her debut on Globo with this role. In Brazil, "Garota do Momento" concluded its run with an average viewership of 18.1 rating points, indicating a solid performance within its domestic market. The novel’s setting and focus on themes of ambition and personal quest likely contribute to its broad appeal.
‘Valle Salvaje’: A Deep Dive into its Success
The second season of "Valle Salvaje," which earned the series its second International Emmy nomination, aired from March 20 to August 26, 2025, comprising 120 episodes. This season saw a notable increase in viewership for the series. The first season averaged 597,000 viewers with a 7.5% audience share, while the second season saw these figures rise to 754,000 viewers and a 9.3% share. This upward trend in viewership demonstrates the series’ growing popularity and its ability to attract and retain an audience.
The production of "Valle Salvaje" is a testament to the collaborative strengths within the Spanish television landscape. Beyond RTVE and Bambú Producciones, StudioCanal’s involvement suggests an international co-production model aimed at enhancing global reach and production quality. The series’ historical setting, meticulously recreated through its filming locations, adds significant value. Key sites include the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso in Segovia, the Palace of Aranjuez, and the La Granjilla estate in El Escorial, all contributing to an immersive and authentic period experience.
The cast is led by Rocío Suárez de Puga, Manuela Velasco, and José Manuel Seda, whose performances have been instrumental in bringing the characters and their dramatic arcs to life. The series’ commitment to historical accuracy in its settings and costumes, combined with strong performances and engaging storylines, has clearly resonated with viewers and critics alike.
Spain’s Growing International Recognition
"Valle Salvaje’s" nomination is part of a broader trend of Spanish productions gaining international recognition. Spain has secured a total of five nominations for the 2026 International Emmy Awards. In addition to "Valle Salvaje," actor Javier Cámara is nominated for Best Actor for his role in "Yakarta." Furthermore, "Anatomía de un instante" has been nominated in the TV movie or miniseries category, with both "Yakarta" and "Anatomía de un instante" being productions from Movistar Plus+.
The Spanish representation extends to other genres as well. The Netflix comedy "Animal," featuring Luis Zahera, has received a nomination, and the sports documentary "Temps mort," produced by 3Cat and El Terrat, is also in contention. This diverse range of nominations across different categories and platforms highlights the increasing quality and global competitiveness of Spanish television content.
The International Emmy Awards have previously recognized Spanish daily dramas. "Dos vidas," another production from Bambú Producciones, was nominated for Best Telenovela in 2022, and "Ciega a citas" received a nomination in the same category in 2015. These precedents underscore Spain’s sustained ability to produce compelling telenovelas that capture international attention.
All nominated international professionals will convene in New York City between November 20th and 22nd for a series of events leading up to the awards gala, providing a valuable platform for networking and celebrating global television achievements. The continued success of Spanish productions at the International Emmys signals a promising future for the country’s creative industries on the world stage.
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