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Turkish television secured a double nomination for the 2026 International Emmy Awards with hit series "Leyla" and "Uzak Sehir."
Both series earned nods in the Best Telenovela category; the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominations on Wednesday.
The two Turkish productions will compete against Brazil's "Garota do Momento" and Spain's "Valle Salvaje" for the prestigious award, cementing Türkiye's continued dominance in the global drama export market.
Winners will be announced at the 54th International Emmy Awards Gala on Nov. 23 in New York City.
Turkish productions have a established history in the Best Telenovela category. "Yargi" (Family Secrets) won the International Emmy Award in 2023, following an earlier win by "Kara Sevda" (Endless Love) in 2017.
Ay Yapım's previous International Emmy winners, "Kara Sevda" (2017) and "Yargi" (2023), achieved the global success as original Turkish screenplays.
In contrast, the studio's 2026 nominees reflect a format-driven strategy, with "Leyla" adapted from Brazil's "Avenida Brasil" and "Uzak Sehir" based on Lebanon's "Al Hayba."
Lead actress Cemre Baysel, who plays the lead character in "Leyla," reacted to the International Emmy nomination by sharing a heartfelt message with fans. Reacting shortly, Baysel called the recognition a defining moment for her career.
"The most beautiful news I've received in my professional career," Baysel wrote on her Instagram story.
"What a feeling beyond description to reach the final stage of the Emmy Awards. Just seeing the name 'Leyla' there was enough to make my eyes well up with tears."
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