JJ Abrams Honored at International Emmy Awards - AceShowbiz

November 26, 2013 09:23:46 GMT

The 'Fringe' co-creator is presented with International Emmy Founders Award by actor Zachary Quinto at the November 25 ceremony.

Photo credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN

Film & television writer/director J.J. Abrams was hailed at the 41st International Emmy Awards. The executive producer of TV series "" and co-creator of "" was honored with International Emmy Founders Award which was handed out by presenter .

"I feel unworthy," the "" helmer said when accepting the trophy. "Why would the Academy make this choice?" He then jokingly said that his father threatened now Intl. Emmy President and CEO Bruce L. Paisner when Paisner fell into the sea in Cannes in 1993 because his father "desperately wanted to see his son up here tonight."

In a more series note, he added, "I feel genuinely grateful (for this honor). It's a privilege to work in the television medium." The award was given to an individual who has crossed cultural boundaries to touch audience's common humanity.

Winners at this year's International Emmy Awards span 6 countries, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, South Korea and the United Kingdom, with the U.K. winning three, including Best Arts Programming for "The Great Pretender". The documentary was tied with South Korean music doc "Hello?! Orchestra" for the said title.

British star nabbed an award for Best Performance by an Actor through his role on "Accused". "I've never actually won anything," the former "" star said. "Thank you. I really am so happy."

Best Performance by an Actress, meanwhile, went to Brazilian star Fernanda Montenegro ("Sweet Mother"). Another special award, the International Emmy Directorate Award, was presented to RTL Group Co-CEO Anke Schaferkordt by world heavyweight boxing champion .

"The International Emmy Awards is the premiere global platform for the world's best television programming and performances," Academy President Paisner stated. "We congratulate tonight's winners for their outstanding achievements and for inspiring audiences worldwide with their great work."

The winners were announced at a gala held Monday night, November 25 in New York. John Oliver, who recently announced he left his post as Senior British Correspondent on "" to host a new weekly talk show on HBO, served as the host.