This year's Series Mania television festival in Lille crowned the Spanish drama Querer as the best series in the international competition. The narrative centers around a woman who, after three decades of marriage, not only departs from her spouse but also accuses him of criminal acts, compelling their two adult sons to take sides. Among other accolades, Lili Reinhart was honored for her performance in Hal & Harper, and Luca Marinelli for his role in Mussolini: Son of the Century. Additionally, Moshe Zonder and Ronit Weiss Berkowitz were recognized for their writing in The German, while European political drama The Deal received special mention.
The audience award went to Quebecois series Empathy, decided by festival attendees. In the French category, 37 Secondes emerged victorious. Elsa Guedj and Arthur Dupont claimed acting honors for Le Sens des Choses and La Famille Rose respectively. Meanwhile, Anthony D’Amario and Edouard Rigaudière were celebrated for their original score in Log Out. Internationally, Celeste won top honors with Carmen Machi earning recognition for her performance, alongside Matthew Gurney for Reunion. Ida Panahandeh took home the directorial award for At the End of the Night. The festival reported record attendance figures and confirmed dates for next year.
Spanish Drama Takes Center Stage
The Spanish drama Querer made waves at this year's Series Mania festival, capturing the best series award in the international competition. The show revolves around a woman who, after thirty years of marriage, embarks on a dramatic journey of self-discovery and justice, accusing her husband of serious misconduct. This forces her adult sons into an emotionally charged dilemma of loyalty and truth. The jury, led by Pamela Adlon, acknowledged the compelling performances and intricate storytelling that brought this tale to life.
Querer’s success highlights the growing global appreciation for complex narratives from Spain. Moviestar+, the pay-TV network behind the show, has been praised for its commitment to producing high-quality content that resonates internationally. The festival's jury found particular merit in how the series tackles themes of family dynamics, betrayal, and societal expectations. By weaving these elements together, Querer offers viewers a thought-provoking exploration of human relationships under pressure. The drama stands out for its ability to provoke both emotional and intellectual engagement, setting a new standard for international television productions.
Achievements Beyond Borders
Beyond the triumph of Querer, the Series Mania festival celebrated numerous achievements across different categories. Lili Reinhart's portrayal in Hal & Harper earned her the best actress award, while Luca Marinelli was lauded for his performance in Mussolini: Son of the Century. Writing duo Moshe Zonder and Ronit Weiss Berkowitz were recognized for their work on The German, contributing to the festival's acknowledgment of excellence in scriptwriting. The Deal, a European political drama, garnered special attention from the international jury, showcasing the diversity and depth of narratives presented.
In the realm of audience choice, the Quebecois series Empathy captured hearts, winning the audience award. Within the French competition, 37 Secondes emerged as the best series, accompanied by accolades for Elsa Guedj and Arthur Dupont for their respective roles. The original score in Log Out by Anthony D’Amario and Edouard Rigaudière added another layer of recognition for creative excellence. On the international stage, Celeste stood out with Carmen Machi's powerful performance, complemented by Matthew Gurney's contribution to Reunion. Director Ida Panahandeh's vision in At the End of the Night further enriched the tapestry of talent celebrated at Series Mania. These awards reflect the festival's commitment to promoting global cinematic and televisual artistry, fostering a community that values creativity and innovation. With increasing attendance and participation from industry professionals worldwide, Series Mania continues to be a pivotal event in the entertainment calendar.