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Festival Honorary President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco formally declared the eagerly-anticipated 61st Monte-Carlo Television Festival opened on the 17 of June  at the Grimaldi Forum, after a glamorous Red Carpet featuring world-renowned acting and creative talent from many parts of the world.

The juries for this year’s Golden Nymph Awards were introduced on stage. American actor and producer Neal McDonough chairs the Fiction Jury, composed of British producer Richard Fee, TV host Adriana Karembeu, French actress Josephine Jobert, Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Serbian actor Darko Peric and Danna Stern, founder of yes Studios in Israel. Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of National Geographic, is the President of the Documentary and News Jury, surrounded by the French presenter-journalist Marie-Ange Casalta, the German producer-director Tristan Chytroschek, the Norwegian director Tonje Hessen Schei and the head of development of the Czech television Radomir Šofr.

Created to recognise brilliant and exceptional rising talent, H.S.H Princess Charlene then presented the very first International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent to French actor Théo Christine (War of the Worlds, SKAM, Suprêmes).

A capacity audience in the Salle des Princes was treated to the world premiere of the first two episodes of the five-part thriller Last Light, produced by MGM International TV Productions, in association with Peacock, Viaplay, MBC Group, Stan and internationally distributed by MGM. Based on the highly successful novel by Alex Scarrow, Last Light is directed by Dennie Gordon (Jack Ryan) and stars Matthew Fox (Lost), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Tom Wlaschiha (Game of Thrones) Alyth Ross (Traces) and Taylor Fay (Judge Rinder), all of whom were in attendance at the special screening.

During his speech H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco stated, "Our Festival has always showcased on the one hand creativity, quality fiction production, and on the other hand, journalistic work for a better understanding of the real challenges, the major geopolitical and economic equilibria of the world we live in. Its content evolves constantly to integrate the technological developments which have turned the way we consume images, particularly with the development of digital platforms."

Laurent Puons, CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival added, “In the Golden Age of Content, there is no doubt that our Festival has become a leading force in the celebration of all aspects of the global television business. With an incredible line-up of the very best programmes and talent, both in front of and behind the camera, we are looking forward to delivering an exciting edition over the coming five days.”