Image: Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic
After bagging the top honor in the United States International Film and Video Festival earlier this year, “Jake and Charice” has now been nominated in the 2020 International Emmy Awards.
The documentary, based on the life of singer-songwriter Jake Zyrus, is up for an Emmy win under the Arts Programming category, as revealed by the award-giving body yesterday, Sept. 24.
Zyrus likewise shared the news on his own Instagram account on the same day, saying, “Surreal. Thank you @iemmys – It’s an honor.”
The documentary premiered in Japan in November 2019, where it garnered the Gold Camera award. It tells the story of Zyrus’s new life after transitioning from Charice Pempengco into the transgender man he is today.
“Jake and Charice” will be going up against “Refavela” of Brazil’s HBO Brasil/Conspiração, “Vertige de la Chute (Ressaca)” of France’s Babel Doc/France Televisions and “Why Do We Dance?” of the United Kingdom’s Sky Arts Production Hub.
“Congratulations to all the Nominees! – we are especially proud to recognize and honor the world’s best storytellers, producers and performers,” Bruce Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, said in the release.
“At a time of crisis where most of us have to stay home most of the time, television entertains us and provides a window on our world,” he added.
“Jake and Charice,” produced by Japan’s national broadcasting organization NHK in cooperation with ABS-CBN, enters the list representing Japan. This year’s International Emmy Awards has 44 nominees across 11 categories and 20 countries.
This is not Zyrus’ first time to work with Japanese filmmakers, however, as she previously starred as Akira in the movie “Yaru Onna” (“She’s a Killer”) back in 2018.
The award-giving body noted that nominated program trailers and exclusive nominee interviews will be featured during the International Emmy World Television Festival from Nov. 13 to 23 on the International Academy’s website.
Winners will also be announced on Nov. 23 at a ceremony produced in New York City. Further details will, meanwhile, be announced in October. /ra
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