Marian Macgowan Wins Best Series for The Great at Septimius Awards 2024

Australian producer Marian Macgowan achieved another career milestone by winning Best Series for The Great at the Septimius Awards 2024, held on August 20 at the iconic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam. The critically acclaimed series, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, has enjoyed immense success on Hulu, where its bold and irreverent take on historical drama captivated audiences across the globe. The Septimius Awards, known for honoring international film and television excellence, recognized The Great as a standout in an increasingly competitive field of content.

The Great: A Hulu Success Story

Since its premiere on Hulu in 2020, The Great has become a major hit, celebrated for its unique blend of historical satire and sharp, contemporary humor. Created by Tony McNamara, the series offers a fresh interpretation of the rise of Catherine the Great of Russia, focusing on her ambitious journey to seize power from her tyrannical husband, Emperor Peter III. Elle Fanning stars as Catherine, portraying the young empress with wit, grace, and determination, while Nicholas Hoult delivers a riveting performance as Peter, whose unpredictable nature adds layers of dark comedy to the narrative.

Hulu’s platform proved to be the perfect home for The Great, where its daring tone and edgy storytelling stood out in a crowded market. The series quickly earned critical praise and a loyal fanbase, propelling it to become one of Hulu's most talked-about original shows. It was also lauded for its visually stunning production design, intricate costumes, and witty dialogue, all of which contributed to its rapid rise to success. Macgowan, as the producer, played a pivotal role in steering the ambitious vision of the show, bringing together top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Macgowan's Triumph at the Septimius Awards

The Septimius Awards, which celebrate global film and television productions that push boundaries and promote diversity, provided the perfect stage for Macgowan’s win. The award for Best Series is a significant recognition of The Great’s bold storytelling and its ability to blend historical events with modern sensibilities. The series’ witty dialogue, lavish sets, and fearless performances left a lasting impression on both audiences and critics, distinguishing it from other period dramas.

Upon accepting the award, Macgowan spoke about the risk involved in producing such a uniquely stylized show. "We knew we were taking a bold approach by mixing historical satire with modern wit," she said. "But to see it resonate with so many viewers, both on Hulu and beyond, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to receive this recognition at the Septimius Awards, which celebrates the diverse storytelling that we aim to achieve with The Great."

The Tuschinski Theater, an architectural marvel in Amsterdam with its ornate Art Deco style, provided a fitting setting for the prestigious event. The theater’s rich history and grandeur mirrored the ambitious scope of The Great, as international filmmakers and television producers gathered to honor the best in their fields.

Stellar Performances Drive The Great

At the heart of The Great’s success are the stellar performances of its leads. Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Catherine the Great is both nuanced and powerful, offering viewers a complex character who navigates a brutal, patriarchal society with resilience and cunning. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Emperor Peter III adds a comedic edge to the series, balancing Catherine’s rise with a charismatic, often absurd, performance. The chemistry between Fanning and Hoult has been a major highlight of the series, adding depth to the dynamic and often turbulent relationship between the two characters.

This interplay of dark comedy and historical drama has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, elevating The Great beyond the typical period drama into something fresh, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining.

A Milestone for Marian Macgowan

For Macgowan, winning Best Series at the Septimius Awards is a significant accomplishment in an already distinguished career. As a producer, she has consistently taken on projects that challenge the status quo, and The Great is no exception. By blending satire, history, and modern sensibilities, Macgowan and her team have crafted a series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a new perspective on one of history’s most iconic female leaders.

The series’ success on Hulu has not only earned it multiple accolades but also cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist. The award at the Septimius Awards is yet another feather in Macgowan’s cap, as she continues to break new ground in the world of television production.

"Winning this award is a testament to the talent and creativity of everyone involved in The Great," Macgowan said during her acceptance speech. "It’s been an extraordinary journey, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here."

With The Great continuing to capture the imaginations of viewers worldwide, Marian Macgowan’s triumph at the Septimius Awards serves as a reminder of the power of bold, innovative storytelling in shaping the future of television.