The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has rolled out the blue carpet welcoming star guests for its 63rd edition, but it also has an eye on the future.
“We’re always working towards expanding and developing the festival. Each year, we get better and better,” executive director Cécile Menoni says.
Listing “fabulous highlights,” Menoni gushes over this year’s Crystal Nymph winner: Morgan Freeman. The award recognizes the “stellar body of work” of the veteran actor, who recently exec produced “The Gray House,” which celebrated its world premiere Friday at the opening ceremony. Mary-Louise Parker, Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis and Ben Vereen attended.
“It’s such a thrill for us to honor him,” Menoni says.
The fest will also take a closer look at rising stars, with “Bridgerton’s” Simone Ashley given the International Golden Nymph for most promising talent. Honorary Golden Nymph – “Our festival’s highest accolade” – will go to “true fan favorite” Olivier Marchal. The French actor – and former policeman – is known for “36th Precinct.” He also created the cop series “Braquo.”
“It has always been important for our festival to attract big stars and their shows. Right from the very beginning, it has been crucial to appeal to both local and global fans. We certainly have an expanded fan contingent these days, because we make sure they are well-served with a variety of events enabling them to get close to and meet their favorite stars.”
That includes “selfie sessions” with “Chronicles of the Sun” team, autograph sessions with “Chicago Med,” “FBI” and “Law & Order” cast members and meetings with soap celebs from “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young and the Restless.”
To spotlight its 50th anniversary, “Little House on the Prairie” will host a special Anniversary Tea Party, says Menoni, while “NCIS” team Michael Weatherly, Wilmer Valderrama, Cote DePablo and Brian Dietzen will mark the 1,000th episode of the series.
“We have a long list of amazing talent joining us, including Lee Jung-jae who will be in Monaco to support the launch of Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ on Disney+,” she adds.
“Buffy” alumnus David Boreanaz, also seen in “SEAL Team” and “Bones,” will return to the fest, this time as the president of the fiction jury.
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