2026 |Festival Programme

The 65th Monte-Carlo Television Festival will open at the Grimaldi Forum, with the prestigious Opening Ceremony.

An exceptional Red Carpet with international stars - actors, directors and producers - of the most popular series worldwide followed by the Ceremony with the Golden Nymph Awards Jury presentation.
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas will receive the prestigious Crystal Nymph Award recognizes a prominent figure in the television industry for their outstanding career and lasting impact on the industry.
An iconic figure of the French audiovisual landscape, Michel Drucker will receive the Honorary Nymph, celebrating his exceptional career.
The Spanish actress Ester Exposito will be present to receive the Golden Nymph for Most Promising International Talent.
To close this opening evening, Discover international premiere of the first two episodes of Season 3 of The Walking Dead: Dead City, in the presence of actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan), actress Lauren Cohan (Maggie), and showrunner Seth Hoffman (not suitable for audiences under 16).
The opening ceremony will be presented by journalist Genie Godula.

After the Opening Ceremony, the talent attending the Monte-Carlo Television Festival will be invited to the traditional After Party.

Artistic direction, managed by MyArtTouch and represented by Maxime Dereymez, will immerse guests in a unique concept, filled with performances, unexpected scenes, and surprising moments.

Between fiction and reality, attendees will witness a one-of-a-kind artistic experience at the heart of the evening.

An exceptional event blending chic, festive, and truly elegant atmosphere.

Private Party

To take part in this prestigious evening, our VIP PASS is available.

Business Forum attendees are invited to join the Press Conference in conversation with Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, who will be honoured as a recipitent of this year's Crystal Nymph during the Opening Ceremony on June 12 in recognition of her outstanding career.
One of the most respected Franco-British actresses of her generation, she has built a distinguished career across film, theatre and television. Most recently seen in the acclaimed series Slow Horses, she continues to take on high-end television projects, while also expanding her creative scope. Her directorial debut, My Mother's Wedding, which she wrote, directed and starred in, marks a significant new chapter in her career.

Limited places!

Meet the iconic faces of your daily France TV show!

The talents Aurore Delplace, Chrystelle Labaude, Frédéric van den Driessche, and Smadi Wolfman (also known as Johanna, Élisabeth, Alain, and Catherine) will be present for an exclusive autograph signing session.

WORLD PREMIERE - Original version with French subtitles

A Caracol Studios production (Portugal)

At a luxurious engagement party in Sintra, a sharp-tongued murder victim helps Inspector Jones track down her killer. Inspired by Agatha Christie, Jones is a gripping mystery series set against the stunning landscapes of Sintra and Vila Nova de Foz Côa. With suspense, dark humor, and complex characters, Jones is a high-quality, internationally appealing series designed to captivate audiences worldwide.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Dheepthika Laurent.

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival will host the international premiere of the first two episodes of Season 3 of the The Walking Dead: Dead City during the Opening Ceremony on June 12. A spin-off of the phenomenon franchise The Walking Dead, the series continues one of the most influential universes in contemporary television.
Business Forum attendees are invited to join the Press Conference in conversation with its two lead actors, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan as well as showrunner Seth Hoffman.

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE - Original version with French subtitles

A ZDF German Television production (Germany)

Oliver loves dressing as a woman. In his 1980s hometown of Springe in Lower Saxony, this way of being different meets with rejection, mockery, and violence. Even within his own family, he is met with shame and harshness, shaped by deeply rooted norms and fears. Only with his move to Hamburg, to the St. Pauli district, does Oliver find the chance to reinvent himself. But even there, he is first confronted with poverty, deprivation, and yet another form of exclusion. With a big heart, unshakeable humor, and the ability to stand up after every fall, Oliver fights his way through doubt and resistance—until he finally becomes Olivia Jones: a drag icon, entertainer, St. Pauli bar and club owner, and a public voice for tolerance and diversity.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Dheepthika Laurent.

FRENCH PREMIERE - Original version with French subtitles

A Fremantle production (Denmark)

A gripping crime drama exposing the deadly cost of loyalty and corruption within a fractured and fiercely competitive police academy. A young trainee fires his weapon. One man is dead. And inside Denmark's elite police academy, the fallout is immediate and explosive. As the story makes headlines, public outrage and political pressure ignite a war over who controls the future of policing. Caught in the eye of the storm is Youssef, a rising star whose dream of becoming an officer is shattered by the shooting. With the academy in lockdown mode and blame spreading like wildfire, his bond with fellow trainee Daniel fractures under suspicion, while his growing connection with first-year Freja threatens to expose deeper secrets. Above it all is Sanne Hammerby, the academy's new principal, brought in to clean house. But when old loyalties clash with new ideals, her mission to reform the institution turns into a fight for survival. Set in contemporary Denmark, this is a gripping, emotionally charged crime thriller about power, control, and the dangerous line between order and chaos, where the badge isn't just a symbol of authority, but a test of who you really are.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Dheepthika Laurent.

Join two of Hollywood's hottest talent, for a compelling conversation around their creative partnership and individual career paths within the television landscape.
Stepping seamlessly into dual roles as both actor and producer, Aldis Hodge, will share how wearing multiple hats shapes his approach to developing and selecting new shows and projects. As a writer and producer, Ben Watkins will give perspective insight on creating compelling narratives - translating a story from page to screen while balancing creativity with strategy. They'll explain how when working together, their combined roles, enables them to experience a deeper collaboration between writer, producer and actor roles on set adding to the success of the show.
Diversity is also on the agenda, where they will address how the US is slow to greenlight shows in the genre and what they think is holding them back

What does it take to turn an idea into a television series? In this panel session, Vikings and Billy the Kid creator Michael Hirst will trade secrets with contemporary creator Toma De Matteis (Un Si Grand Soleil) about how a show really comes together, from developing ideas, writing scripts and overseeing production - and the compromises and collaborations that are needed to get a series on screen.
They will also be joined by Rola Bauer (The Girlfriend, Shadowplay, Pillars of the Earth), who will offer a Studio Executive and Producer's insight into the creative process, revealing how writers and producers can best work together to ensure the creator's vision holds up in the final cut.

PREMIERE

A Brain production (France)

Everyone knows Baudelaire. No one knows how his story ends. His final face remains a mystery: exiled in Belgium, stricken by illness, weakened, isolated, and long misunderstood by his own country, the poet of Les Fleurs du Mal lives through his last months suspended between lucidity, visions, and memories. The film explores this little-known period of his life, before and after the attack that gradually robbed him of speech, at a moment when both the man and the myth begin to falter. Through this intimate portrait of a creator on the brink of disappearance, an entire era comes back to life: Théophile Gautier, Edgar Allan Poe, Eugène Delacroix, and the great artistic figures who accompanied Baudelaire form a living constellation around him. This journey through a singular destiny also echoes deeply contemporary questions: our relationship to the end of life, censorship, moral freedom, and identity. A bold and immersive work, presented in the presence of the artistic team and cast, which promises to leave a lasting impression.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Genie Godula.

Television's most compelling shifts are being driven by women who are not just starring in productions—but reshaping them, from creator-led shows to executive leadership roles. This panel explores how leading ladies are "changing the channels," redefining genres, and influencing what gets made—and who gets to make it.

Mix and Mingle with speakers and session attendees over drinks and canapés.

Under the starry skies of the Principality of Monaco, an exceptional evening, infused with the elegance, glamour, and vibrant energy of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival...

An exclusive event, reserved for VIP guests, offers a truly unique experience in an idyllic setting, where golden sands meet the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean sea.
International stars, television industry professionals, and influential personalities will come together for a festive night where atmosphere meets enchanting music, refined cocktails, and lively conversation.

To the sound of the waves and the beat of the music, Festival guests will share unforgettable and truly magical moments.

Private Event

Dress Code - Golden Touch

Limited places!

Come and meet stars from three iconic French television series!

Step into the worlds of Cassandre, Sous le Soleil and Une Famille Formidable during a special signing session.

Meet Gwendoline Hamon and Alexandre Varga (Cassandre), Marie-Christine Adam (Sous le Soleil), as well as Jennifer Lauret and Kamel Belghazi (Une Famille Formidable) at the Festival Fan Zone.

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

A documentary by Franck Florino, co-produced by THEOREM and TV Monaco.

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival is celebrating its 65th edition this year. Today, it stands as a unique showcase of international productions and a global reference point for television. This 52-minute documentary retraces the history of the Festival, created in 1961 by Prince Rainier III, and which has accompanied the evolution of television for the past 65 years. It pays tribute to a shared, passionate, and ever-evolving journey between television and our societies. For more than six decades, this exceptional event has accompanied, illuminated, and elevated the transformations of television creation. It offers a vibrant dive into 65 years of collective memories—a sensitive panorama that brings back to life the images, faces, and moments that have marked generations of viewers. Featuring testimonies from iconic personalities—those VIPs who have shaped both the history of the Festival and that of the small screen—the documentary weaves a deeply human narrative, blending nostalgia, admiration, and wonder.

Among the interviewees are Prince Albert II, Michel Drucker, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, Dominique Farrugia, Marie-France Brière, Rola Bauer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Dick Wolf, and many others.

Limited places!

Fans of the CIA and FBI series, get ready for an unforgettable moment!

Come and meet Nick Gehlfuss (CIA) and Zeeko Zaki (FBI) at an exclusive autograph signing session.

WORLD PREMIERE - Original version with French subtitles

A All3Media International production (United Kingdom)

Set against the backdrop of a prestigious private school, Gone is a chilling mystery focusing on local Headmaster Michael Polly, who becomes the prime suspect in his wife Sarah's disappearance. An upstanding member of the community, Michael Polly is inscrutable and likes order and precision in his working life. Until, that is, he encounters super bright, gutsy Detective Annie Cassidy and a compulsive game of cat and mouse begins as she chips away at his veneer in search of the truth. Beneath the surface of the mystery, lies a deeper exploration of trauma, trust and the legacy of elite institutions.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Genie Godula.

Across three decades, Susanne Daniels has helped shape youth culture, from defining network television at The WB and MTV to experimenting with premium digital content at YouTube Originals. In this conversation, she joins former YouTube executive and digital storytelling pioneer Luke Hyams to explore how the fundamentals of storytelling have shifted from pilot-driven commissioning to algorithm-led distribution. Together, they will unpack what has actually changed, and what hasn't, when it comes to developing hits amid the rise of creator-led IP, audience participation, and feed-native formats.

FRENCH PREMIERE - Original version with French subtitles

A NBCUniversal production (USA)

Moscow, 1977. Two "PONIES" ("persons of no interest" in intelligence speak) work anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy. That is until their husbands are killed under mysterious circumstances in the USSR, and the pair become CIA operatives. Bea (Emilia Clarke) is an over-educated, Russian-speaking child of Soviet immigrants. Her cohort, Twila (Haley Lu Richardson), is a small-town girl who is as abrasive as she is fearless. Together, they work to uncover a vast Cold War conspiracy and solve the mystery that made them widows in the first place.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Genie Godula.

Best known for crafting bold, character-driven historical dramas that bring the past vividly to life, Michael Hirst, acclaimed Creator and Executive Producer, will reflect on his creative process, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, his avoidance of the Writers Room and the enduring appeal of stories set in distant eras that continue to resonate with modern audiences.

As innovation rapidly reshape the entertainment industry, talent, creators, agents and reps are navigating a fundamental shift in how creative work is produced, owned and monetized. Join leading industry voices for an insightful discussion on how they are adapting to this innovation driven landscape, balancing opportunity with protection, while embracing these changes responsibly.

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

A Cinema Virgin production (Israël & Palestine)

Buried alive in the name of "family honor," Fadia is betrayed by the very people meant to protect her. Left for dead by her conservative family, she is miraculously rescued by neighbors who risk everything to hide her. As Fadia struggles to reclaim her voice, identity, and sense of safety, she must confront the trauma inflicted in the name of tradition and the silence that enables it. This gripping dramatic thriller exposes the human cost of so-called honor crimes and the systems that sustain them. Through Fadia's fight for survival and dignity, the story becomes a powerful testament to women's resilience and a call to defend every woman's fundamental right to live free from violence, control, and fear - even within her own home.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Dheepthika Laurent.

Mix and Mingle with speakers and session attendees over drinks and canapés.

Limited places!

The stars of The Bold and the Beautiful are inviting you to an exclusive autograph signing event! Come meet Kimberlin Brown (Sheila), Tanner Novlan (Dr. John), Thorsten Kaye (Ridge), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), and Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) for a unique experience.

At 18 months old, Lise's parents learn that she has a tumor on the optic nerve that leaves her visually impaired. At the age of 12, before losing her sight completely, she finds a solution that will change her life.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with Lana and Thierry Jourdan (writers and directors), along with Frédéric Gaillanne (founder of the Frédéric Gaillanne Foundation: a guide dog training school for visually impaired children).

Limited places!

Step into the world of The Young and the Restless and share a special moment with Michael Graziadei (Daniel) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) at this exclusive autograph signing event.

This is a unique opportunity for film students and young creators to join an exclusive afternoon Masterclass with Emmy and Peabody Award winning Executive Producer, storyteller and Tell Me a Story Pitch Contest collaborator, Tom Jennings and 1895 Films. Join Tom for a deep dive into the art of factual (non-fiction) storytelling gaining exclusive insights from the Maestro himself on developing a storyline, the art of filmmaking in the factual genre and how to commercialize your creation! A not to be missed complimentary add-on to the Student Pass Pro.

A Sony Pictures Television Production (United-Kingdom)

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister focuses on Mary Bennet — the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We follow Mary, as she steps out of her sisters' shadows in search of her own identity and purpose, finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way. Her journey will see her leave her family home in Meryton for the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love, and reinvention.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Genie Godula.

Following on from last years success, "Tell Me A Story" - Season 2, aims to uncover unique, passionate, and compelling non-fiction (factual) story ideas offering untold narratives from a new generation of film creators. Selected storyteller finalists who will showcase their original and non-commercial creations in this quick-fire pitch session. Each presenter will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to pitch, plus a short Q&A time to impress the expert judging panel of international television and media executives.
The overall winner will benefit from several exclusive prizes including support from 1895 Films to develop their winning storyline, produce a sizzle reel and introductions to potential buyers, plus tickets for two (2) people to attend the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony and Gala Evening at the Festival. Join this exciting session to discover who will will be pitch perfect and win these coveted prizes!

FRENCH PREMIERE

A Beta Film GMBH production (Italy)

Set in 1970s Naples, the young Pietro Savastano begins a criminal life that will lead him one day to become the Don Pietro Savastano that we know.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Genie Godula.

Increasingly TV news, current affairs, entertainment and drama, is being criticized and influenced by governments across the world, seeking to force both PBS and subscription based broadcasters and producers to toe a particular line/ Is this the beginning of the end of free speech and how does the industry respond?

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

A coproduction Wonder Project, Wonder Film & Rai Fiction (Italy)

Eugenio Monti was a great champion, the "Flying Red," as Gianni Brera called him: elegant, daring and capable of challenging life with the same intensity with which he faced the track. He deeply dreams of Olympic gold, the only medal capable of filling the void he feels inside, the same void that appears to him in dreams as a bobsleigh without teammates. At the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, however, his sporting spirit prevails: when his rival Nash has a technical problem, Monti gives him a bolt from his own sled rather than see him lose unfairly. It is an act of pure fairness that earns him the De Coubertin Award, but not the gold medal - and perhaps not even peace. In the four years leading to Grenoble 1968, Monti, fragile in life yet relentless on the track, fights against himself and against fate, until he finally finds, together with the long-awaited victory, the love of Linda.

The discussion will be moderated by France 24 journalist, Dheepthika Laurent.

The debate about whether AI belongs in factual storytelling is over. This panel brings together producers, commissioners and distributors already using AI operationally — on archive representation, narrative revision, and the criteria financiers use to evaluate content. Practical takeaways, not positioning statements.

Join the Pitch finalists and judging panel to find out who has won the « Tell Me a Story » Pitch Contest Season 2 crown for 2026 ! The winner will benefit from several exclusive prizes including support from 1895 Films to develop their winning storyline, produce a sizzle reel and introductions to potential buyers, plus tickets for two (2) people to attend the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony and Gala Evening at the Festival.

Mix and Mingle with speakers and session attendees over drinks and canapés.

In an enchanting setting between sea and lagoon, the festival will celebrate an exceptional milestone: 65 years of history, passion, and excellence.

To mark this special celebration, guests will be immersed in the captivating atmosphere of the 1920s, an era of glamour, mystery, and artistic effervescence.

With captivating music, retro elegance, and a festive spirit, this evening will immerse attendees into a world worthy of the grandest Belle Époque parties, where every moment celebrated audacity and refinement.

Artistic direction will be ensured by MyArtTouch, represented by Maxime Dereymez.

Private Event

Dress Code: Vintage Glam

Business Forum attendees are invited to join the Press Conference in conversation with Kurt Russell, who will be honoured as a recipitent of this year's prestigious Crystal Nymph during the Festival's Closing Ceremony on June 16, in recognition of his outstanding career defined by charisma, versatility and remarkable artistic longevity.
A long-standing figure in American film and television, Russell began his career on the small screen, notably through productions with The Walt Disney Company, before becoming a major Hollywood presence.
He has recently returned to television with Monarch : Legacy of Monsters and will next appear in the highly anticipated series, The Madison, underlining his continued involvement in major global productions.

The Golden Nymphs competition - featuring the best in TV programming from around the world, will reveal the 2026 winners at the Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony, ending the 65th Monte-Carlo Télévision Festival edition.

But before that, evening gowns and tuxedos will light up the red carpet offering the public and the press unforgettable photo-calls.

Major figure in American film and television, Kurt Russell will receive the prestigious Crystal Nymph award.

The English actor Matthew Broome will be awarded International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent. This Nymph indicates and recognizes the brilliant or exceptional talent of a rising performer who raises the bar of excellence to international acclaim.

The ceremony will be presented by journalist and TV host Louise Ekland and actor Ricky Whittle.

Free entrance, open to the public within the limit of available seats. Doors close at 18:40.

Want to enjoy this event as a VIP and live a unique experience, discover the VIP pass!

As every year, the grand finale of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival will unfold in the stunning Salle des Étoiles at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. A gala dinner for all Festival guests, each elegantly dressed. A true dive into the world of luxury and elegance.

The magnificent Salle des Étoiles offers an exceptional setting, where every detail inspires a unique experience. In this enchanting décor, it will be time to relive the most beautiful moments of this 65th edition, in a clip where every talent will be featured.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a dance show and vocal performance by Romain Delbreil & Solomiya Muzh (dancers) and Sofia Mountassir (vocals), as well as performances by the Tataki Company troupe under the artistic direction of Maxime Dereymez. The after-dinner musical entertainment will then be provided by the group Synapson.

To take part in this prestigious evening, our VIP PASS is available.