Italian television drama has secured a significant international endorsement, with two Italian series, The Count of Monte Cristo and M - The Son of the Century winning the Best Non-English-Language Drama Series award at the C21 Drama Awards, the prestigious international accolades organized by C21 Media on Friday, December 5 in London.
The Best Non-English-Language Drama Series category highlighted two contrasting yet complementary Italian titles, showcasing the strength and diversity of contemporary Italian drama: epic literary adaptation and bold political storytelling.
The Count of Monte Cristo, produced by Palomar (a Mediawan Company) with Rai Fiction, is a high-end international series based on Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Directed by Academy Award winner Bille August and premiered at the Rome Film Festival, it stands out for its cinematic ambition, international cast, and strong global positioning. International sales are managed by DEMD Production and Mediawan Rights, supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Film Commission Torino Piemonte.
Sharing the award is M – The Son of the Century (Mussolini: Son of the Century), the Sky Atlantic series produced by Sky Studios and Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment (Fremantle), in co-production with Pathé. With its uncompromising, modern take on the rise of Mussolini, the series reflects Italy’s growing willingness to tackle complex historical and political themes with international resonance.
Together, the dual win at the C21 Drama Awards signals a clear industrial shift: Italian scripted drama is now fully established on the global stage, backed by ambitious creative visions, strong production frameworks, and internationally oriented strategies.
photo: Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com - 04/12/2025 - C21 Media’s International Television Conference Event - The C21 International Drama Awards Ceremony
Two Italian Series Triumph at the C21 Drama Awards
