Israel’s highly acclaimed drama Hostages has recorded a double win at the 54th Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo, the television counterpart to the Cannes Film Festival.
The Israeli original drama series won the Golden Nymph for Best International Drama TV Series while the Golden Nymph for Outstanding Actress in a Drama TV Series was presented to Ayelet Zurer for her role as Dr. Yael Danon.
Hostages competed against popular series including Downton Abbey and House of Cards, while previous winners in these categories have included crime drama Breaking Bad and trend-setting period drama Mad Men.
“We’re incredibly proud to be representing such a unique and gripping drama, and are thrilled at the recognition that it is achieving across the world. A drama like this doesn’t come along every day – its universal appeal, intense story and relatable characters all work together to make it work as both a format and a ready-made,” said Avi Armoza, CEO of Armoza Formats.
The Monte-Carlo five-day television festival showcases the world’s best television programming.
Hostages is a 10-part thriller about the family of a surgeon (Zurer) who are taken hostage in order to coerce the doctor to assassinate the prime minister on the operating table.
It was recently acquired by Australia’s SBS-owned subscription channel STUDIO, and just concluded a first season on France’s Canal+, Jimmy and Studio Canal in partnership with ACE Entertainment and will soon air on UK’s BBC4.
“We are extremely proud and thrilled to be part of this amazing adventure and to keep on working hand in hand with Armoza Formats for more future successes with Hostages,” Jerome Reygner-Kalfon and Sebastien Semon, founders of ACE Entertainment.