This evening the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival was officially opened by this annual celebration of cinema’s Honorary President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in a glittering ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum on the evening of Friday, June 14, following a star-studded Red Carpet featuring world-renowned acting and creative talent from around the world.
Jury members of this year’s prestigious Golden Nymph Awards were introduced on stage in the Salle Des Princes auditorium, while American actor Morgan Freeman was the first to be honoured in this year’s Television Festival, receiving the coveted Crystal Nymph. This award is reserved for major international television actors, and is awarded in recognition of ‘a stellar body of work’.
With a prolific screen career spanning more than five decades making him a household name, Freeman was a respectable choice for the Crystal Nymph, and dazzled on his way to receive it with a Red Carpet entrance to the festival.
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.
The sovereign stated in his opening speech that “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.”
The CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Laurent Puons 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… It is a privilege to welcome so many immensely talented actors, writers, show runners, 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!”
Discover more on the Monte-Carlo Television Festival website here.
Featured image: Morgan Freeman
