Spain Sweeps Major Awards at Series Mania 2025: A Landmark Achievement

At the prestigious Series Mania festival held in France this April, Spain made headlines by winning both the Grand Prize for its riveting drama “Querer” and the major International Panorama award for “Celeste.” This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone for Spanish television and sets a new standard for international recognition in the industry.

Historic Wins from Movistar Plus+

Both award-winning series were produced by Spain’s own Movistar Plus+, with “Celeste” in collaboration with The Mediapro Studio. Notably, this is the first time that a single country has triumphed in both major categories at Series Mania since the festival’s International Panorama was created in 2018.

The dual victory underscores the immense talent and innovation currently simmering in the Spanish television landscape, drawing attention towards Movistar Plus+ as a key player. According to Series Mania founder and general manager Laurence Herszberg, “The two major international prizes confirm the prominent place of Spanish series in today’s serial landscape.”

Expansion Beyond Borders: The Role of Co-Productions

In addition to its achievements, Movistar Plus+ has been strategically diversifying its output. Arte France, the French wing of pan-European public broadcaster Arte, has joined forces with Movistar Plus+ on various projects, including Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s impactful drama “The New Years” and the groundbreaking “Querer.” This unique partnership highlights a collective ambition to raise both the quality and visibility of Spanish television on the international stage.

“It’s the first time that we have so many projects at the same time with the same commissioner and the same program unit of one company or one broadcaster or platform, whatever,” noted Alexandre Piel, Arte France’s deputy head of drama. This collaboration not only maximizes financial resources but also fosters creative synergy between Spain and France.

The Rise of Spanish Productions on Global Platforms

The landscape of Spanish television is evolving rapidly, propelled by an influx of investments from global streaming giants aiming to capture the vast potential of Spanish-speaking markets. Francesco Capurro, Series Mania Forum director, commented that this has generated fierce competition among local producers, thereby increasing the average quality of shows.

Spain’s foray into international television began notably with “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel), which emerged as Netflix’s first non-English-language global sensation. This trend of captivating international audiences continues, with Spanish series like “Los Javis'” “La Mesías”** receiving critical acclaim in various markets.

Future Prospects and Challenges Ahead

Despite the recent accolades, the future may hold uncertainties for Movistar Plus+. In April 2025, Domingo Corral, the director instrumental in shaping Movistar Plus+’s artistic vision, was removed from his position by its parent company Telefónica, signaling a potential shift in strategy. This move has provoked a response from over 150 prominent figures in the Spanish entertainment sector, reflecting the industry’s collective concerns about the direction Movistar Plus+ might take.

Though the landscape is rapidly changing, Spain’s standing at Series Mania emphasizes the growing influence of its series in the global market. With hopes of co-developing new series alongside Arte France, there remains a silver lining amid uncertainty.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Spanish Television

As Spanish productions gain traction internationally, it remains to be seen how strategic partnerships and evolving leadership at Movistar Plus+ will shape the future of Spanish drama. The recent wins at Series Mania are not just a testament to past efforts, but also a beacon for what’s possible in the evolving global television arena.

The transition in leadership may pose challenges, but the passion and dedication shown by creators in Spain exemplify a resolve to ensure that Spanish stories continue to resonate with audiences around the world. The groundwork that has been laid promises a vibrant future for Spanish television on the international stage.

For those interested in exploring more about the evolution of Spain’s television industry, check out our articles on Movistar Plus+, La Casa de Papel, and Arte France.