Emmys defend nomination of Gazan journalist Bisan Owda amid backlash over alleged ties to PFLP

The 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's Bisan from Gaza and I'm Still Alive, produced in collaboration with Al Jazeera’s AJ+. However, an open letter from the nonprofit Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) has called for her nomination to be rescinded, citing alleged ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Canada, and the European Union.

The letter, signed by more than 150 industry figures including actors Selma Blair and Debra Messing, claims Owda has links to the PFLP, having spoken at events run by the group years ago. CCFP's executive director, Ari Ingel, called the decision to nominate Owda "inexcusable."

In response, Adam Sharp, CEO and President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), defended the nomination, stating that the documentary was reviewed by two panels of independent judges. Sharp emphasized that the Emmys have a long history of recognizing journalistic excellence, even when the content is controversial. He acknowledged the reports of Owda’s past involvement with PFLP-related events but noted that NATAS has not been able to corroborate these allegations or find evidence of current involvement.

Al Jazeera also defended the documentary, describing the allegations as "baseless" and an attempt to silence an important perspective on the conflict. Owda has not publicly responded to the controversy.