Cécile Menoni on Elevating the Monte-Carlo TV Festival to New Heights
As the Monte-Carlo Television Festival prepares to celebrate its 64th edition from June 13 to 17, 2025, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of its most star-studded and globally resonant years yet. Under the elegant backdrop of the Principality, the red carpet will glitter with a mix of iconic legends and rising stars, setting the tone for a festival that honors both legacy and innovation in the television arts. In this interview with Yako Molhov, Festival Executive Director Cécile Menoni offers an exclusive look at the high-profile guests, groundbreaking premieres, and new initiatives that will define this year’s edition — from the presence of celebrated actors like Robin Wright and Pierre Arditi to new platforms for emerging talent and thought-provoking industry dialogue.
Cecile Menoni
Cécile, the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival is set for June 13–17, 2025. Can you share which celebrities and international stars will be gracing the red carpet this year?
This year’s edition promises to be particularly glamorous and internationally resonant. Among the headline guests are iconic talents such as Robin Wright — Crystal Nymph honoree and star of House of Cards — and Pierre Arditi, one of France’s most prolific actors, who will also receive the Crystal Nymph distinction. Judith Light and Mireille Dumas, both jury presidents for this milestone edition, will bring their gravitas and vision to the event.
The Red Carpet will also welcome Ricky Whittle (American Gods), Shy’m, Sarah Rafferty (Suits), Jaz Sinclair (Gen V), and the beloved casts of international hits including Teen Wolf, Chicago Fire, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and French favorites like Un Si Grand Soleil and Demain Nous Appartient. The Festival remains a privileged occasion for fans and media alike to encounter both celebrated veterans and fresh new faces of the industry.
2025 Vip list : https://www.tvfestival.com/en/public/vip-list
The Festival has become a platform for high-profile international premieres. Which new TV series and films are slated to debut during this edition?
The Festival will open with the French premiere of Watson, a CBS Studios production starring Morris Chestnut, distributed by Paramount Global. This fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe explores Dr. John Watson’s life after Holmes’ death, blending investigative intrigue with medical drama.
In total, four world premieres, seven international premieres, and two French premieres will be showcased, including compelling titles such as Don’t Give Up, Deepfake, Champagne – Peppino di Capri, Sherlock & Daughter, and The Bombing of Pan Am 103. These works reflect a commitment to both artistic excellence and the unveiling of bold, socially relevant narratives across genres.
The Golden Nymph Awards remain a cornerstone of the Festival. What are the award categories this year, and how many countries are represented among the nominees?
This year, the competition features 18 programs from 12 countries, reflecting a rich diversity of storytelling traditions. The Golden Nymph Awards will recognize excellence across Fiction — including Best Film, Best Series, Best Creation, Best Actress, Best Actor, and a Jury Special Prize — and News & Documentaries, with honors for Best Major Program, Best Documentary, and another Jury Special Prize. In addition, several prestigious Special Prizes will be presented in collaboration with renowned institutions: the Prince Rainier III Prize, the AMADE Prize, and the Monaco Red Cross Prize. Lastly, audiences will have their say through the Public Prize, organized in partnership with BetaSeries, reaffirming the Festival’s ongoing bond with its viewers.
Two iconic figures from the audiovisual world, Judith Light and Mireille Dumas, will preside over the Fiction and News & Documentaries juries, respectively. Two women leading the juries happens for the first time in the Festival’s history. What influenced you to take this bold decision?
This dual presidency is both a symbol and a statement. Judith Light, an Emmy and Tony-winning actress, and Mireille Dumas, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and journalist, exemplify the excellence, sensitivity, and societal awareness we wish to celebrate.
Their leadership reflects the Festival’s deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, and female empowerment in audiovisual storytelling. It also highlights the evolving role of women in shaping global narratives and curating cultural impact through their unique perspectives.
The Crystal Nymph Award will honor Pierre Arditi and Robin Wright this year. When will these prestigious awards be presented and what criteria or considerations does the Festival employ to determine which actors are deserving of the Crystal Nymph Award?
Pierre Arditi will be honored during the Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 13, and Robin Wright will receive her Crystal Nymph during the Closing Ceremony on June 17. This prestigious award is reserved for actors who have made a lasting and global contribution to television.
It celebrates not only their careers, but also their ability to inspire, innovate, and elevate the medium. Both laureates embody artistic excellence and emotional depth, and their respective trajectories — from French television to global cinema for Arditi, and from cult classics to global stardom for Wright — illustrate the enduring relevance and power of screen storytelling.
Since its introduction in 2022, the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent has spotlighted emerging talent. Who is this year’s honoree, and what led to their selection?
This year’s recipient is Jaz Sinclair, who plays Marie in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series Gen V, a spinoff of The Boys. Her compelling presence on screen, artistic versatility, and rising profile across film, series, and music (under her artist name Jasimi) make her a natural choice.
She will be presented with the award by H.S.H. Prince Albert II during the Opening Ceremony. The International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent shines a light on the next generation of global talent, and Jaz perfectly embodies the creative future we aim to support.
This year sees the launch of the “Tell Me A Story” pitch competition for creatives aged 18 to 30. What inspired the creation of this initiative, and how do you hope it will impact the future of factual storytelling?
“Tell Me A Story” is a direct response to the need for platforms that empower young voices in the factual space. By targeting creators aged 18 to 30, we aim to surface fresh, authentic perspectives and uncover new talents who are ready to challenge traditional documentary formats.
This initiative is more than a contest — it’s a call to the next generation of journalists, documentarians, and creators to bring untold truths to light. We hope to foster both professional development and content innovation in factual storytelling.
The Festival's Business Content sessions continue to grow in scope and importance. With a focus on topics such as artificial intelligence in storytelling and audience engagement, what insights are you hoping industry attendees will take away?
This year’s Business Content program addresses today’s most urgent industry topics. Sessions will explore AI’s role in content creation, audience fragmentation, and the evolution of funding and format strategies. Panels such as “That’s (AI) Entertainment!” and “Streamers & the Challenge of Audience Engagement” provide actionable insight from global executives.
Additionally, conversations around gender equity, sustainability, and cultural representation will fuel the dialogue, as we encourage attendees to rethink both the business and the ethics of television production.
Industry leaders like David W. Zucker and Rola Bauer will headline this year’s Business Content forum. What can attendees expect from their participation, and how do their projects reflect current trends in global TV production?
David W. Zucker and Rola Bauer bring extensive experience in developing international hits and pioneering new co-production models. Their insights into franchise-building, IP development, and talent management will provide attendees with tangible strategies to navigate a complex, borderless marketplace.
Their participation also signals the Festival’s ambition to position Monte-Carlo as a strategic hub for transatlantic and global audiovisual collaboration.
Fan engagement is a hallmark of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival. How do events like star meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes panels enrich the overall experience for the public?
Public access is at the heart of our identity. Through autograph sessions, immersive panels, screenings, and interactive events in the Fan Zone, we invite the public into the magic of television.
This year, fans can meet talents from Teen Wolf, Chicago Fire, Scènes de Ménages, and more, attend a behind-the-scenes panel on France Télévisions fiction, and even discover the exclusive AKRIS – Fashion With a Heritage documentary. The Festival is a true celebration of storytelling — not just for the industry, but for everyone who loves television.
Looking ahead, how do you see the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s role evolving in the global landscape of content creation, industry innovation, and creative collaboration?
We intend to further strengthen our dual identity as both a prestigious competition platform and an incubator for innovation. The introduction this year of the Digital Award, which honors creators from the YouTube ecosystem — with French influencer Squeezie receiving the inaugural honor — is a perfect example of how we are adapting to new formats and audience behaviors.
In the coming years, we will continue to foster emerging talent, promote sustainability and inclusion in audiovisual creation, and serve as a bridge between traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, and digital-native voices.
This year’s edition promises to be particularly glamorous and internationally resonant. Among the headline guests are iconic talents such as Robin Wright — Crystal Nymph honoree and star of House of Cards — and Pierre Arditi, one of France’s most prolific actors, who will also receive the Crystal Nymph distinction. Judith Light and Mireille Dumas, both jury presidents for this milestone edition, will bring their gravitas and vision to the event.
The Red Carpet will also welcome Ricky Whittle (American Gods), Shy’m, Sarah Rafferty (Suits), Jaz Sinclair (Gen V), and the beloved casts of international hits including Teen Wolf, Chicago Fire, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and French favorites like Un Si Grand Soleil and Demain Nous Appartient. The Festival remains a privileged occasion for fans and media alike to encounter both celebrated veterans and fresh new faces of the industry.
2025 Vip list : https://www.tvfestival.com/en/public/vip-list
The Festival has become a platform for high-profile international premieres. Which new TV series and films are slated to debut during this edition?
The Festival will open with the French premiere of Watson, a CBS Studios production starring Morris Chestnut, distributed by Paramount Global. This fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe explores Dr. John Watson’s life after Holmes’ death, blending investigative intrigue with medical drama.
In total, four world premieres, seven international premieres, and two French premieres will be showcased, including compelling titles such as Don’t Give Up, Deepfake, Champagne – Peppino di Capri, Sherlock & Daughter, and The Bombing of Pan Am 103. These works reflect a commitment to both artistic excellence and the unveiling of bold, socially relevant narratives across genres.
The Golden Nymph Awards remain a cornerstone of the Festival. What are the award categories this year, and how many countries are represented among the nominees?
This year, the competition features 18 programs from 12 countries, reflecting a rich diversity of storytelling traditions. The Golden Nymph Awards will recognize excellence across Fiction — including Best Film, Best Series, Best Creation, Best Actress, Best Actor, and a Jury Special Prize — and News & Documentaries, with honors for Best Major Program, Best Documentary, and another Jury Special Prize. In addition, several prestigious Special Prizes will be presented in collaboration with renowned institutions: the Prince Rainier III Prize, the AMADE Prize, and the Monaco Red Cross Prize. Lastly, audiences will have their say through the Public Prize, organized in partnership with BetaSeries, reaffirming the Festival’s ongoing bond with its viewers.
Two iconic figures from the audiovisual world, Judith Light and Mireille Dumas, will preside over the Fiction and News & Documentaries juries, respectively. Two women leading the juries happens for the first time in the Festival’s history. What influenced you to take this bold decision?
This dual presidency is both a symbol and a statement. Judith Light, an Emmy and Tony-winning actress, and Mireille Dumas, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and journalist, exemplify the excellence, sensitivity, and societal awareness we wish to celebrate.
Their leadership reflects the Festival’s deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, and female empowerment in audiovisual storytelling. It also highlights the evolving role of women in shaping global narratives and curating cultural impact through their unique perspectives.
The Crystal Nymph Award will honor Pierre Arditi and Robin Wright this year. When will these prestigious awards be presented and what criteria or considerations does the Festival employ to determine which actors are deserving of the Crystal Nymph Award?
Pierre Arditi will be honored during the Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 13, and Robin Wright will receive her Crystal Nymph during the Closing Ceremony on June 17. This prestigious award is reserved for actors who have made a lasting and global contribution to television.
It celebrates not only their careers, but also their ability to inspire, innovate, and elevate the medium. Both laureates embody artistic excellence and emotional depth, and their respective trajectories — from French television to global cinema for Arditi, and from cult classics to global stardom for Wright — illustrate the enduring relevance and power of screen storytelling.
Judith Light and Mireille Dumas
Since its introduction in 2022, the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent has spotlighted emerging talent. Who is this year’s honoree, and what led to their selection?
This year’s recipient is Jaz Sinclair, who plays Marie in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series Gen V, a spinoff of The Boys. Her compelling presence on screen, artistic versatility, and rising profile across film, series, and music (under her artist name Jasimi) make her a natural choice.
She will be presented with the award by H.S.H. Prince Albert II during the Opening Ceremony. The International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent shines a light on the next generation of global talent, and Jaz perfectly embodies the creative future we aim to support.
This year sees the launch of the “Tell Me A Story” pitch competition for creatives aged 18 to 30. What inspired the creation of this initiative, and how do you hope it will impact the future of factual storytelling?
“Tell Me A Story” is a direct response to the need for platforms that empower young voices in the factual space. By targeting creators aged 18 to 30, we aim to surface fresh, authentic perspectives and uncover new talents who are ready to challenge traditional documentary formats.
This initiative is more than a contest — it’s a call to the next generation of journalists, documentarians, and creators to bring untold truths to light. We hope to foster both professional development and content innovation in factual storytelling.
The Festival's Business Content sessions continue to grow in scope and importance. With a focus on topics such as artificial intelligence in storytelling and audience engagement, what insights are you hoping industry attendees will take away?
This year’s Business Content program addresses today’s most urgent industry topics. Sessions will explore AI’s role in content creation, audience fragmentation, and the evolution of funding and format strategies. Panels such as “That’s (AI) Entertainment!” and “Streamers & the Challenge of Audience Engagement” provide actionable insight from global executives.
Additionally, conversations around gender equity, sustainability, and cultural representation will fuel the dialogue, as we encourage attendees to rethink both the business and the ethics of television production.
Industry leaders like David W. Zucker and Rola Bauer will headline this year’s Business Content forum. What can attendees expect from their participation, and how do their projects reflect current trends in global TV production?
David W. Zucker and Rola Bauer bring extensive experience in developing international hits and pioneering new co-production models. Their insights into franchise-building, IP development, and talent management will provide attendees with tangible strategies to navigate a complex, borderless marketplace.
Their participation also signals the Festival’s ambition to position Monte-Carlo as a strategic hub for transatlantic and global audiovisual collaboration.
Fan engagement is a hallmark of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival. How do events like star meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes panels enrich the overall experience for the public?
Public access is at the heart of our identity. Through autograph sessions, immersive panels, screenings, and interactive events in the Fan Zone, we invite the public into the magic of television.
This year, fans can meet talents from Teen Wolf, Chicago Fire, Scènes de Ménages, and more, attend a behind-the-scenes panel on France Télévisions fiction, and even discover the exclusive AKRIS – Fashion With a Heritage documentary. The Festival is a true celebration of storytelling — not just for the industry, but for everyone who loves television.
Looking ahead, how do you see the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s role evolving in the global landscape of content creation, industry innovation, and creative collaboration?
We intend to further strengthen our dual identity as both a prestigious competition platform and an incubator for innovation. The introduction this year of the Digital Award, which honors creators from the YouTube ecosystem — with French influencer Squeezie receiving the inaugural honor — is a perfect example of how we are adapting to new formats and audience behaviors.
In the coming years, we will continue to foster emerging talent, promote sustainability and inclusion in audiovisual creation, and serve as a bridge between traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, and digital-native voices.
