A Final To Be Remembered for the 20th Edition of The Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie

There was a parade of stars at the Awards Gala of the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Imprinted in our minds on Saturday April 29th at 7:30 p.m., in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, was the celebration for the winners. Presented by Ezio Greggio with the charming Elenoire Casalegno, the evening saw on the stage of the Grimaldi Forum international and Italian guests most loved by the public of the small and the big screen.

This year, the Movie Legend Award was granted to the Master Costa-Gavras for his 54-year career (Oscar Award for the best non-original screenplay for the film “Missing”, a victory at the Cannes Film Festival as best direction for the film ‘Section Spéciale’ and many other international prizes) and for having made the history of international cinema.

Great expectations were realized also for Mira Sorvino (Oscar winner for ‘Mighty Aphrodite’ by Woody Allen), who received the MCFF Award for her career and the films that made her famous around the world.

Anna Foglietta also lighted up the Festival (famed performances in Perfetti sconosciuti”, “The American” “Nessuno mi può giudicare”). The actress is president of the non-profit association Every Child is my child. She received the ‘Attrice dell’Anno’ award (Best Actress of the Year) for the films that have made her one of the most loved and appreciated actresses by the Italian public.

Among the winners this year also Federico Cesari (“Skam”, “Anni da cane”, “Buongiorno Mamma” “Tutto chiede salvezza”) who received the Next Generation Award, the prize dedicated to the new faces of cinema and television.

Marco Giallini, one of the most beloved Italian actors and also having won three Nastri d’Argento (Silver Ribbons) for “ACAB- All Cops are Bastards”, “Tutta colpa di Freud ” and “Perfetti sconosciuti” was for the first time at the Comedy Festival. He received the MCFF Career Award.

Special guest star, soccer player Alex Del Piero made an appearance; he has already left his mark on the Champions Promenade in Monaco (winner of the Golden Foot in 2007)

Among the young international talents, Ezio Greggio rewarded Victor Belmondo, a young French actor in the footsteps of his paternal grandfather, the great and unforgettable Jean Paul Belmondo, and destined for an exceptional career.

Among the personalities attending the evening were Barbara D’Urso, Paola Barolo and Mario De La Rosa (La Casa de Papel), who returned to the Festival after having been part of the jury two years ago.

The talented musical guest of the evening was Claude, arrived from the Netherlands. The singer performed on stage his hit “Ladada” (Mes Derniers Mots/Time Records/Believe). 

Like every year, Marlù Gioielli participated in the festival with an important message encouraging people to pursue their dreams. 

The Film Awards 

The verdict of the jury composed of: Giancarlo Giannini, president, Richard Anconina, Neri Marcorè, and Nathalie Poza rewarded the Argentinian film “Empieza el baile” with three prizes as best director, best actor to Dario Grandinetti and the Public Prize.

The best direction went equally to Antonio Lukich for “Luxembourg, Luxembourg”.

The prize for best actress went to the Spanish Anna Castillo for “Historias para no contar”, directed by Cesc Gay.

Finally, the Short Comedy Award in the section dedicated to short films was given to the film “The 12 apostlesses”, directed by Laura Ghaza.