65th Monte-Carlo Television Festival: two icons, one unforgettable edition

Some announcements just hit differently, and this is one of them. The Monte-Carlo Television Festival is going big for its 65th edition, bringing in two absolute legends: Kurt Russell and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Both will be honored with the prestigious Crystal Nymph Award, a recognition reserved for those who’ve truly shaped the global audiovisual landscape.

From June 12 to 16, 2026, the stunning Grimaldi Forum will host what’s already shaping up to be a standout edition. And let’s be honest, having Russell and Scott Thomas in Monaco? That’s the kind of moment that turns a festival into an experience.

Kristin Scott Thomas will kick things off at the Opening Ceremony on June 12. One of the most refined and respected actresses of her generation, she continues to evolve; most recently seen in the critically acclaimed Slow Horses. And she’s not stopping there: her directorial debut, My Mother’s Wedding, marks an exciting new chapter in an already remarkable career.

Then comes Kurt Russell, closing the festival on June 16. A true Hollywood mainstay, Russell’s journey started on television with The Walt Disney Company before he became one of the most recognizable faces in American cinema. Lately, he’s been back on the small screen with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and is set to appear in the highly anticipated The Madison.

The awards will be presented by S.A.S. Prince Albert II of Monaco, adding an extra layer of prestige to an already iconic honor. Previous recipients include heavyweights like Michael Douglas, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Robin Wright.

Bottom line? The Monte-Carlo Television Festival isn’t just another festival: it’s a celebration of screen legends. And this year, it’s got star power to spare.

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