As television entertainment claims an ever more prominent global role, producing the kind of character-driven storylines that film studios have largely abandoned in favor of tentpole movies, festivals devoted to the medium are also becoming more prominent.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Festival’s Honorary President, and HSH Princess Charlene officially opened the 56th Monte-Carlo Television Festival at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on June 12th 2016. Presidents and members of the 2016 Golden Nymph juries were introduced on stage followed by the presentation by HSH Prince Albert II of the highly coveted Crystal Nymph, which was awarded to leading actress Marg Helgenberger in recognition of her role as CSI analyst Catherine Willows in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for 12 seasons, winning two Primetime Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations.

Golden Nymph Jury Presidents introduced this year include Hollywood actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover (News Jury) and renowned actor, director and producer Jason Priestley (Fiction Jury).

Laurent Puons, CEO of the festival, said "We are very pleased to welcome a host of television's most renowned production and acting talent to the Grimaldi Forum tonight as we launch our 56^th edition. Over the next four days the Monte-Carlo Television Festival will present a truly global celebration of the best in programming and the talent that brings it to our screens".

Originally created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and now under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has, for more than half a century, presented the very best of television from around the world.  The Monte-Carlo Television Festival attracts a wide range of acting, production and writing talent from around the world who travel to Monte-Carlo for the four-day celebration of programming including many nominated for the Golden Nymph Awards which are presented at the close of the Festival.

During the opening of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Prince Albert also took the opportunity express his support to the American people after the tragic terrorist attacks of Orlando. “I learned with dismay the heinous killing of Orlando. I bow before the victims, the pain of their families, suffering injuries. The hatred will be defeated. I asked Mr. President Obama to accept assurance of my sadness and my highest consideration.”

Herve Tropea