Actor, writer, and creator Ambrish Verma has added a major global milestone to his growing journey, becoming the first individual globally to receive IMDb’s prestigious “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award in 2026.
The IMDb STARmeter Awards are among the entertainment industry’s most unique recognitions, as they are entirely data-driven and determined by the actual search behavior and page views of IMDb’s hundreds of millions of monthly visitors worldwide. The awards celebrate artists whose popularity and audience interest have witnessed a significant surge globally.
With this achievement, Ambrish becomes the first individual globally to be honored with an IMDb STARmeter Award in 2026, placing him alongside a distinguished list of international talents who have previously received the recognition. Over the years, IMDb has presented STARmeter Awards to names such as Maya Hawke, Emma D’Arcy, Lewis Pullman, Jennifer Connelly, Ayo Edebiri, and several other fast-rising global stars.
The recognition comes on the back of the phenomenal response to Ambrish’s recently released project, Sapne Vs Everyone Season 2, which has struck a chord with audiences across the country. The show’s popularity translated into a significant surge in audience interest, with Ambrish emerging as one of the most searched and discussed Indian talents on IMDb.
Reacting to the achievement, Ambrish Verma said,”This award is special because it’s voted for by the audience. At the end of the day, that’s the recognition that matters the most. People only vote for something when they genuinely connect with it and feel it deserves to be celebrated. That’s the same feeling I get when I see the love Sapne Vs Everyone continues to receive on IMDb. It makes me very proud. Recently, I was also ranked No. 1 on IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list, and honestly, it felt surreal. What makes it even more special is knowing that it happened because audiences watched the show, connected with the story, and took an interest in my journey.”
He further added, “When you look at the names on that list, it’s hard to imagine yourself among them, let alone at the top. Moments like these remind you that if you keep doing good work and stay consistent, people do notice. That belief keeps you going.”
Verma’s breakout performance led him to claim the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list in two consecutive weeks, reflecting the growing excitement around his work and the strong connection he has built with viewers.
Most recently, Maya Hawke received the IMDb “Fan Favorite” STARmeter Award at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, further highlighting the global stature associated with the recognition.
Ambrish’s win reflects not just industry attention but genuine audience interest, as the STARmeter rankings are directly influenced by global searches and engagement on IMDb. The recognition marks a significant moment for Indian talent on the international stage and underscores Ambrish Verma’s rapidly growing popularity among audiences worldwide.
Notably, IMDb had previously recognized emerging Indian talents such as Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday with STARmeter honors in 2025. Ambrish now carries that momentum forward as the first Indian individual to receive an IMDb STARmeter Award in 2026, further highlighting the growing global interest in Indian storytellers and performers.
