In a heartbreaking turn of events for Indian television, The Night Manager failed to secure the Best Drama Series award at the 2024 International Emmy Awards, with the trophy instead going to France’s Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God). The French drama, which revolves around a woman vying for her late father’s wine collection inheritance, triumphed over a strong international competition, including the Indian series and other noteworthy entries like Australia’s The Newsreader and Argentina’s Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido.
Adapted from the acclaimed British series, The Night Manager brought together a stellar cast, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Anil Kapoor, and Sobhita Dhulipala. The Indian version, helmed by director Sandeep Modi, follows the gripping tale of a former Indian Navy Lieutenant infiltrating an arms dealer’s empire to dismantle it. Despite the immense buzz around its release in 2023 and a strong narrative, the show could not outshine Les Gouttes de Dieu, which has been making waves with its unique wine-related drama.
Les Gouttes de Dieu tells the story of a woman’s emotional and intellectual battle to claim her inheritance, competing against her father’s protégé in a series of wine-based challenges. While The Night Manager‘s loss marks a significant setback for India’s global television presence, the fact that the show was nominated in such a competitive category is a noteworthy achievement.
Though The Night Manager did not clinch the award, it continues to be recognized for its gripping storyline and impressive performances, especially from Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur. With the original British series having already won multiple awards, including three Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmys, The Night Manager‘s adaptation was clearly held in high regard on the international stage.
This loss for India’s entry raises questions about how global audiences perceive Indian adaptations, and whether the show’s high-profile cast and production values were enough to secure a victory in the face of fierce competition. Regardless, The Night Manager remains a testament to India’s growing presence in global television, and the industry will no doubt be keeping a close eye on future projects vying for Emmy glory.