All submissions funded by the Russian government for this year’s Emmys have been disqualified, the award organisers have announced.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) said it is “appalled” by the conflict in Ukraine and could not “in good conscience” do business with those funded by Russia.
“Like countless individuals and organisations worldwide, NATAS has been appalled by Russia’s unprecedented and unprovoked attack on the sovereign territory of Ukraine,” said chairman Terry O’Reilly.
Fighting rages in key city – Ukraine live updates
“As creators who depend on robust freedoms to shed light on stories which elucidate and impact the world around us, our members feel a deep kinship with and concern for the Ukrainian people whose liberties are at risk of being overtaken by these hostile actions.
“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.”
Key developments:
• Vladimir Putin insists Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ‘going to plan’
• There has been fierce fighting between local forces and Russian troops on the outskirts of Energodar – with casualties reported
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says only ‘urgent action by Europe’ can stop the Russians
• Russian forces continue to claim control of the southern port city of Kherson
• Mariupol, the main port on the Sea of Azov, remains surrounded by Russian forces and under heavy bombardment
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NATAS has become the latest major Hollywood organisation to condemn Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Warner Brothers, Disney, and Sony announced earlier this week that they will not release films in Russian cinemas.
The decision means the new Batman film, starring Robert Pattinson and Marvel’s Moribus will not be available to Russian audiences.
Russia has also been banned from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, while Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Green Day and Louis Tomlinson have all cancelled gigs in Russia.
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How are the big tech companies responding to the invasion of Ukraine?
Putin’s ‘mistakes’, Zelenskyy’s ‘heroism’ and the West’s reaction – key takeaways from the first week
How can you help Ukraine? British charities launch fundraising appeal for refugees
Actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, and husband Ashton Kutcher are raising funds to support the relief effort.
Posting on Kutcher’s Instagram, Kunis said “she has never been more proud to be Ukrainian”, adding that they will match up to $3m (£2.3m) to try and raise $30m (£22.5m) for humanitarian aid and living support for people in Ukraine.