Serielizados Awards Celebrate International and National Excellence
Barcelona hosted the annual Serielizados awards on Saturday night, bringing together creators, producers and critics from across Europe and beyond. The event highlighted the growing influence of serialized storytelling on the global screen and handed out prizes in two competitive sections: best international series and best national series.
International Series Award Goes to Hagai Levi for Etty
Renowned Israeli writer and producer Hagai Levi, best known for the acclaimed dramas The Affair and Scenes From a Marriage, received the best international series trophy for his new project Etty. The series, a psychological thriller set in a remote research facility, explores themes of memory, identity and ethical science.
Levi’s work has consistently pushed narrative boundaries, and judges praised Etty for its intricate plotting and strong character development. In a short speech, Levi thanked the Serielizados jury and emphasized the collaborative nature of television production.
"The story of Etty would not exist without the dedication of the entire crew, from writers to cinematographers," Levi said.
National Series Award Honors Killing a Bear
The Spanish television‑making pair Jorge and Alberto Sánchez‑Cabezudo, whose previous series La Zona earned critical acclaim, were celebrated for their latest drama Killing a Bear. The series, which blends suspense with social commentary, earned the best national series prize.
Judges highlighted the series’ ability to weave a compelling narrative while addressing contemporary issues such as environmental policy and corporate responsibility. The Sánchez‑Cabezudo brothers spoke about the importance of regional stories reaching a broader audience.
El Observatorio Wins Mind the Gap Pitch Prize
In addition to the series awards, the Mind the Gap Pitch competition recognized the project El Observatorio with its top prize. The initiative, designed to support innovative storytelling concepts, provides funding and mentorship to emerging creators.
El Observatorio, a speculative drama set in a near‑future city, impressed the panel with its original premise and strong visual language. The prize will help the creators bring the series to production and secure distribution across European markets.
Key Highlights from the Ceremony
- Best International Series: Etty by Hagai Levi
- Best National Series: Killing a Bear by Jorge and Alberto Sánchez‑Cabezudo
- Mind the Gap Pitch Prize: El Observatorio
- Special mention for innovative use of virtual production techniques
- Networking events that connected creators with broadcasters from over 30 countries
Why Serielizados Matters for Global Television
The Serielizados festival, founded in 2015, has quickly become a benchmark for quality serialized content. It offers a platform where creators from different cultures can showcase their work and find co‑production partners. According to the festival’s official website, the event aims to "bridge gaps between markets and foster creative exchange".
Industry analysts note that the recognition of series such as Etty and Killing a Bear signals a shift toward more ambitious, cross‑border storytelling. The awards also draw attention from major streaming platforms seeking fresh content for international audiences.
Impact on the Winners’ Careers
For Hagai Levi, the award adds to a growing list of accolades that includes multiple Emmy nominations. The international exposure is likely to attract new partnerships and increase the series’ chances of being picked up by global distributors.
The Sánchez‑Cabezudo brothers, already respected in the Spanish market, now have a stronger foothold in the European arena. Their win may open doors to collaborations with broadcasters in France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
El Observatorio’s creators will receive mentorship from seasoned producers and access to a development fund that can cover up to three episodes of pilot production. This support is expected to accelerate the series’ path to market.
Future Outlook for Serialized Storytelling
As audiences continue to favor binge‑watchable content, festivals like Serielizados play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of series. The emphasis on both artistic merit and commercial viability ensures that creators can pursue bold ideas while still meeting market demands.
Experts predict that the next edition of the festival will feature an expanded pitch competition, inviting entries from emerging markets in Africa and Asia. This expansion reflects the festival’s commitment to discovering diverse voices and stories.
For now, the success of Etty, Killing a Bear and El Observatorio underscores the vibrant health of serialized television and its capacity to resonate across borders.
For more information about the Serielizados awards, visit the official Serielizados website. Details on Hagai Levi’s career can be found on his IMDb profile. The Barcelona tourism board provides background on the city’s cultural events at Barcelona Turisme.
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