Emmys have defended their decision to nominate Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda for an award, following backlash from a group of entertainment industry professionals.

Owda, known for her social media videos documenting life in Gaza, was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Hard News Feature Story category for her documentary It is Bisan from Gaza and I’m Still Alive, produced in collaboration with Al Jazeera’s AJ+. However, an open letter from nonprofit Creative Community for Peace has called for her nomination to be rescinded, citing alleged ties to Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine. In response, Adam Sharp, CEO and President of National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences defended nomination, stating that the documentary was reviewed by two panels of independent judges. Sharp emphasised that the Emmys have a long history of recognising journalistic excellence, even when content is controversial.