Congratulations, Clarke! You deserve 2 Emmy nominations
The Jacinda Ardern documentary Emmy nominations aren’t just a win for filmmaking — they’re a reminder of how differently her leadership is viewed overseas compared to the backlash she still faces at home.
Clarke Gayford ‘bewildered and baffled’ as Jacinda Ardern film lands two Emmy nominations
Clarke Gayford says he is “bewildered and baffled” by news a documentary he co-produced about wife Dame Jacinda Ardern has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.
Nominations for the 2026 News and documentary Emmy Awards have been announced and Prime Minister is in the running for Best Documentary, and Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary.
Why Ardern’s legacy still resonates globally
The documentary follows the political and private life of Ardern during her five-year tenure as New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister.
NZME
Congratulations to my dear Comrade Clarke for getting two Emmy nominations for his brilliant documentary.
It is so important that Jacinda’s legacy is given the respect it is due overseas because at home the hard-right outrage merchants have to denigrate her memory because she had the temerity of putting public health above profit margins.
Her actions saved 20,000 lives — and no amount of revisionist rage changes that.
Why the backlash hasn’t gone away
Can you imagine the delicious screams of the NZ First spite merchants and Mike Hosking if she wins?
Oh, that will be glorious.
Because history has a funny way of cutting through the noise. While the outrage cycle churns on at home, the rest of the world is already making up its mind.
Best wishes to Jacinda and Clarke. An outstanding documentary, regardless of any awards. Jacinda as a Prime Minister in my opinion is right up there with Norman Kirk, and it is such a pity the haters have made living in NZ difficult for her.
To even be nominated for two Emmy awards is a wonderful achievement for this hard-working, intelligent, caring couple. That they can never live in NZ again because of the actions from a spiteful, vitriolic, hard right cyber-troll farm, shows we have toxic sub-humans out there who should seriously consider having their fingers and tongues removed. Their rants are not ‘freedom of speech’. All the very best Clarke and Jacinda.