The Virtues Takes Top Series Mania Prize

The international jury at Series Mania, led by Marti Noxon, awarded the Grand Prix to The Virtues, a series from Warp Films and Big Arty Productions for Channel 4.

The jury, which included actresses Julianna Margulies and Audrey Fleurot, novelist Delphine de Vigan and directors Thomas Lilti and Podz, awarded four prizes among ten series that premiered at the festival in Lille. Of The Virtues, the jury noted, “From the first frame, The Virtues moves you with its deep humanity. Masterfully directed, written and acted, the show is a prime example of the power of series television to illuminate and create empathy.”

A special jury prize went to Endemol Shine Israel’s Just for Today for Yes TV, a “beautifully realized portrait of newly released prisoners and the social workers assigned to help them adjust to life on the outside. Every element of this show is keenly observed and executed. It’s a wonderful window into an often unseen world.”

Mytho‘s Marina Hands took the best actress award for her role in the ARTE and Netflix series, while The Virtues‘ Stephen Graham won the best actor award.

There were also awards presented just for the French competition, with a jury consisting of foreign critics and journalists. Best series went to ARTE and Amazon’s Apnea, best actress to Super Jimmy‘s Carole Weyers and best actor to Family Shake‘s Grégory Montel.

A student jury gave the International Panorama best series award to NRK’s Exit. In short form, Atresmedia’s People Talking took the best series prize.