The 78th Emmy Awards kicked off with a massive win for Brazilian talent on the global stage. Rio de Janeiro-born producer and musician Miguel Gandelman secured the Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction for his work on Bad Bunny’s explosive 13-minute Super Bowl halftime show.
The prestigious win highlights the growing influence of Latin and Brazilian creatives steering some of the biggest entertainment spectacles in the world.
Behind the Emmy-Winning Production
Gandelman, an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music—widely regarded as the world's premier independent contemporary music institution—faced stiff competition. The Brazilian producer beat out major television and live-event heavyweights, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Oscars, Saturday Night Live, and the Broadway-themed special Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
The victory was celebrated widely online, notably by his father, the celebrated Brazilian instrumentalist Leo Gandelman, who shared his pride on social media.
Tracking Down Bad Bunny Across South America
Creating a flawless, high-octane halftime show requires intense coordination, especially when the headlining artist is actively touring. Speaking to Variety, Gandelman revealed that his biggest logistical hurdle was physically catching up with the Puerto Rican superstar to lock in the musical arrangements.
"I needed to record the band, so I had to go to Colombia. I had to go to Chile," Gandelman explained. This relentless cross-border effort paid off, resulting in a tight, culturally resonant performance that captivated millions.
A Historic Night for the Halftime Show
Broadcast by NBC earlier this year, Bad Bunny's halftime show was the undisputed giant of the Creative Arts Emmys' opening night, taking home a total of seven trophies. Alongside Gandelman’s win for Music Direction, the production claimed awards for:
- Choreography
- Sound Mixing
- Lighting Design
- Technical Direction and Camera Operation
- Outstanding Directing
The sweep also earned executive producer Jay-Z his third career Emmy. Furthermore, this victory marks only the second time in television history that a Super Bowl halftime show has won the Outstanding Directing category, following the historic 2022 hip-hop showcase led by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem.
