From Norway’s Dumbsday to Serbia’s Operation Sabre, this year’s winners blend humor with hard-hitting drama
The 2024 edition of Canneseries, held from April 5-10, once again brought a dazzling array of global television talent to the Croisette. This year’s competition featured an eclectic mix of genres, ranging from gritty dramas to quirky comedies, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the international TV landscape.
Key Winners
At the top of the awards list was the Best Series winner, The Zweiflers, a German comedy-drama by David Hadda. The series, which follows the lives of a dysfunctional family, also scooped the High School Award for Best Series and Best Music for the evocative score by Marko Nyberg and Petja Virikko. In his acceptance speech, Hadda praised the festival for celebrating unique, boundary-pushing narratives:
"Canneseries has provided a platform for stories like ours, where absurdity meets heart, and I’m incredibly honored to have been part of this year’s competition."
David Hadda, Best Series Winner for 'The Zweiflers' (Germany)
The Best Screenplay award went to the Norwegian series Dumbsday, penned by Christopher Pahle. This dark, satirical look at the end of the world captivated the jury with its sharp writing.
"Writing for TV allows us to explore existential themes through humor and drama. I'm grateful that Canneseries recognized the nuance in our storytelling."
Christopher Pahle, Winner Best Screenplay for 'Dumsday' (Norway)
A standout performance came from Aina Clotet, who took home Best Performance for her role in This Is Not Sweden. This Spanish-Swedish-German-Finnish co-production explores the pressures of parenthood in a chaotic world. In her emotional speech, Clotet expressed deep gratitude to the creative team, adding,
"This role has challenged me in ways I never imagined, and I share this award with the entire cast and crew who made this story come alive."
Aina Clotet, Best Performance for 'This Is Not Sweden' (Spain-Sweden-German-Finish)
The Special Interpretation Award was given to Operation Sabre, a gritty Balkan series that depicts a tense political conspiracy. The ensemble cast was lauded for its riveting portrayal of the show's complex characters, and the creators emphasized the importance of telling local stories on an international stage: "Our series speaks to the resilience of people in the face of overwhelming corruption and turmoil," said co-creator Vladimir Tagić.
"Our series speaks to the resilience of people in the face of overwhelming corruption and turmoil"
Vladimir Tagić, Winner Special Interpretation Award for Operation Sabre
Short-Form and Documentary Success
In the short-form competition, Rather Burn from Argentina and Spain claimed the Best Short Form Series award. The show, a searing commentary on youth culture and rebellion, was praised for its raw energy and fearless storytelling. Directors Sebastián Tornamira and Laura Grandinetti noted, "This series is a reflection of the anger and passion of a generation demanding change. Canneseries' recognition gives us hope that these voices are being heard."
Another notable winner was DJ Mehdi: Made in France, which took home the Best Documentary award. This French documentary pays tribute to the late DJ Mehdi, a pioneering figure in the French electronic music scene. Director Thibaut de Longeville expressed his gratitude for the platform to honor Mehdi's legacy: "His influence transcends music; it’s about culture, identity, and belonging."
Jury and Special Awards
The 2024 Canneseries jury was chaired by actress Macarena García and included esteemed figures like Alix Poisson. García commented on the difficulty of choosing winners from such a talented pool, stating:
"This year’s selection has pushed boundaries, emotionally and narratively. It’s a testament to the creativity of the international television community."
In addition to the competition awards, the festival presented several honorary recognitions. The Canal+ Icon Award was given to Kyle MacLachlan for his enduring contributions to television, while Ella Purnell received the Madame Figaro Rising Star Award for her breakout performances, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez was honored with the Konbini Commitment Award for her groundbreaking work as an actress and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
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