The participation of official Russian entities has been banned in the upcoming editions of The Emmys as well as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
On Thursday, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), curator of The Emmys, expressed “deep kinship with and concern for the Ukrainian people” in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “In light of this globally-condemned military campaign and the appropriate economic sanctions subsequently enacted in response, NATAS has determined that we cannot in good conscience do business with any entity associated with or funded by the government of Russia, including RT and RT America,” read its statement.
It added, “Any entries currently submitted to the 2022 Emmy Award competitions administered by the NATAS which fall under this determination have been disqualified.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, TIFF also expressed solidarity with Ukraine and suspended “participation by film organisations and media outlets supported by the Russian state, as well as Russian cultural ambassadors and delegations.”
However, the curators of TIFF will continue to include films from independent Russian filmmakers in both the festival and year-round events.
Venice International Film Festival announced a similar step previously, and stated that while official Russian participation would be banned, for “those who oppose the current regime in Russia there will always be a place in the exhibitions of La Biennale, from Art to Architecture, and in its festivals, from Cinema to Dance, from Music to Theatre.”
Cannes International Film Festival also denounced the Russian invasion and said in a statement, “Unless the war of assault ends in conditions that will satisfy the Ukrainian people, it has been decided that we will not welcome official Russian delegations nor accept the presence of anyone linked to the Russian government.”
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These steps come after Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine on February 24. From levying economic sanctions to diminishing Russia’s presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix, several measures are underway to isolate the country.
Major Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros, Disney, Sony, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures have also distanced themselves from Russia and stalled the release of their upcoming films in the country, including the superhero movie The Batman.