Hollywood may be the movie capital of the world, but Monte-Carlo is its glamor capital. On a perfect June evening, as the setting sun bathed the red carpet in a golden glow, Honorary President of the Festival, H.S.H. opened the 62nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival. In his statements H.S.H. Prince Albert II recalled that his father, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who married three-time Golden Globe winner, Grace Kelly, had created the festival to celebrate the best of television globally.

He stated, “This year is particularly special for me, for my family and for the people of Monaco, as 2023 marks the centenary celebration of the birth of my father, Prince Rainier III. My father was among the first to recognize the incredible capacity and power of television to entertain, inform and educate people throughout the world. By creating the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 1961, he pledged to honor the outstanding women and men who build cultural bridges between countries throughout the world.” 

International streaming and television stars flocked the red carpet premier screening of Best Selling author, Harlan Coben’s Shelter. Coben was on hand to receive the festival’s inaugural honorary diploma for his Outstanding Contribution to Global Literature, Arts and Entertainment.

Harlan Coben revealed that during his first two months at college, a senior student named Albie made him feel comfortable, answered his endless questions, and was always there for the freshmen students.  One day in the cafeteria as the senior and freshmen students passed each other, ‘Albie’ said, “Hi Harlan.” Coben, who is now one of the world’s leading novelists, with 80 million books in print worldwide across his 35 titles, published in 45 languages, smiled back and said, “Hi Albie.” It was only then that Coben discovered who the helpful and unassuming ‘Albie’ really was, when another student pointed out, “That guy you call Albie? You know he is actually Prince Albert II of Monaco?”

The cast of the 8-part drama series, Harlan Coben’s Shelter – which is based on the YA bestselling series by Coben – were on hand, including: Jaden Michael, Constance Zimmer, Adrian Greensmith and Abby Corrigan.

The jury panel was also introduced on stage in the spectacular Salle Des Princes, in the Grimaldi Forum which juts out into the Mediterranean.

Golden Globe winner John Goodman (Roseanne) was introduced as the Fiction Jury President. International actors that populated the rest of that jury include Italian star Francesca Chillemi who portrays Azzurra in Che Dio ci aiuti, a popular television series in Italy. America actor/producer, Shane West (What We Do Is Secret; A Walk to Remember), and French actress/director, Sara Mortensen (Facteur Chance).

Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentarian Tom Jennings is President of the News and Documentaries Jury. 

The International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent was presented to Julia de Nunez, the young French actress who recently played Brigitte Bardot in Bardot. 

The Golden Nymph Awards will be awarded at the conclusion of the festival.