Kenyan film director Grace Kahaki selected as juror for 2026 International Emmy Awards

Kenyan film director Grace Kahaki has been selected to serve as a juror for the 2026 International Emmy Awards, joining a global panel tasked with evaluating television productions from outside the United States.

In a statement shared by Insignia Productions, where she is a co-founder, the company confirmed her selection as a juror for the 2026 International Emmy Awards, describing it as a significant milestone in her career and a recognition of her growing influence in global film and television.

Kahaki will take part in the judging process for one of the world’s most prestigious television honours, which recognises excellence in international programming.

Her selection places her among a small group of industry professionals chosen annually to review and assess submissions across multiple categories, helping determine nominees and eventual winners.

A global recognition

In her reaction to the announcement, Kahaki expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as both a privilege and a responsibility.

“Deeply honoured to be selected as a juror for the 2026 International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Awards @iemmys,” she said. “As a juror, I had the privilege and responsibility of helping evaluate and select some of the best television programs from around the world, an experience that was both insightful and incredibly rewarding.”

She added that the recognition carries special meaning as a Kenyan filmmaker working within a growing but still developing African film and television industry.

“As a Kenyan Film Director, it means a great deal to have my voice recognised and included among industry professionals shaping conversations around excellence in global television,” she said. “It’s a reminder that African storytellers continue to have an important voice on the world stage.”

Kenyan Representation at the Emmys

Kahaki co-founded Insignia Productions alongside her business partner Philippe Bresson, and together they have spent more than 15 years working in Kenya’s television and film industry.

Their production work has earned recognition at various industry awards, including wins for Best TV Drama and Best Director at the Kalasha Awards, Kenya’s leading film and television honours.

Kahaki now joins a small but notable group of Kenyan creatives who have served as International Emmy jurors in recent years.

Actor Paul Ogola previously served as an Emmy juror in 2022, representing Kenya on the global stage. Documentary filmmaker King Muriuki has also served as a juror in the 2026 cycle, highlighting Kenya’s growing presence in international television evaluation and storytelling spaces.