Last evening the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival was officially opened by Honorary President H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in a glittering ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum, following a star-studded Red Carpet featuring world-renowned acting and creative talent from many parts of the world.
Jury members of this year’s prestigious Golden Nymph Awards were introduced on stage in the Salle Des Princes auditorium.
US actor and producer David Boreanaz, star of global hit series Bones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and SEAL Team will preside as President of the Fiction Jury. He will be joined by jury members Piv Bernth – CEO, Executive and Creative Producer of Apple Tree Productions – Denmark; Teresa Fernandez Valdes – Producer and CEO of Te Espero en Marte – Spain; Claire Mundell – Producer and Creative Director – Founder of Synchronicity Films – UK; Danish actor Ulrich Thomsen and Noor Sadar – Producer and CEO of White Lion Films, production company subsidiary of Mediawan- France.
UK-based journalist, Executive Producer and former Controller of News and Current Affairs at ITV Steve Anderson is President of the News and Documentaries Jury. Members of this jury include Chiara Avesani – Director and Journalist Rai 3 – Italy; Martina Šantavá – Creative Producer Ceska Televise – Czech Republic; André Carvalho Ramos – Journalist and Presenter – CNN Portugal and Yann-Anthony Noghès – Producer, Check Productions – Monaco.
Awarded to a major international television actor to recognize a stellar body of work, the Crystal Nymph was presented by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco to Morgan Freeman, one of the most highly respected figures in television today with a prolific screen career spanning more than five decades.
Created to recognize brilliant and exceptional rising talent, the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent was presented to British actress Simone Ashley known for portraying Kate Sharma, the female lead of season two of the highly successful TV series Bridgerton. The show is based on the work of author Julia Quinn and is written and directed by Shonda Rhimes. Produced by Netflix, the series has been a worldwide sensation.
A world premiere screening of the second episode then took place of Republic Pictures’ limited series The Gray House from Kevin Costner’s Territory Pictures; Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary’s Revelations Entertainment and Big Dreams Entertainment. Many stars of the series were in attendance, including multiple award-winning Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, The West Wing), Daisy Head (Harlots), Amethyst Davis (Kindred) and Ben Vereen (Roots), along with executive producers Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys), Lori McCreary (Madam Secretary) and Morgan Freeman.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco stated in his opening speech, “H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco stated in his opening speech, “It is a pleasure to celebrate such an exceptional and diverse array of television from around the world here in Monte-Carlo. Now, more than sixty years on, our Festival continues its commitment to showcasing programs that tell captivating stories created to entertain and educate in equal measure.”
Laurent Puons, CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival said, “We are incredibly proud of the longevity and significance of our Festival within the global entertainment events calendar. Alongside delivering incredible access to some of the world’s hit programs for so many fans, our extensive Business Content sessions, led by international media experts, will give invaluable insight into the entertainment industry.”
He added, “It is a privilege to welcome so many immensely talented actors, writers, showrunners, directors and executives to join us as the 63rd Festival begins. Our line-up is truly outstanding across all genres – this week in Monaco is going to be the best yet!”
