The British thriller “The Gathering” has emerged as the standout winner at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, clinching the prestigious Golden Nymph Award for Best Series. The series also saw its lead actors, Eva Morgan and Warren Brown, honored with the Best Actress and Best Actor awards, respectively.
“The Gathering,” created by Helen Walsh and produced by World Productions, is set in Liverpool and revolves around two teenage athletes from contrasting backgrounds. The series was commissioned by Channel 4 and has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and compelling performances.
Helen Walsh expressed her gratitude to World Productions and Channel 4 for their support in bringing regional stories to the forefront. She also thanked her hometown of Liverpool for providing the inspiration, locations, and unique charm that contributed to the series’ success.
In addition to “The Gathering,” other notable winners at the festival included Shira Haas, who received the Jury Special Prize for her role in the Israeli psychological drama “Night Therapy.” The series, produced by Yes TV and Eight Productions, explores the life of an Arab-Israeli psychologist grappling with personal and professional challenges following his wife’s suicide.
Sweden’s “Little Did I Know,” produced by Bigster, was awarded Best Film. The story follows Petra, a woman in her 50s, who is forced to reassess her life after her husband requests a divorce. The film’s poignant exploration of self-discovery and love resonated with the jury.
New Zealand’s comedy “Madam,” produced by Tavake and XYZ Films, won Best Creation. The series stars Rachel Griffiths as Mack Leigh, a woman who decides to open an ethical brothel after discovering her husband’s infidelity. Marci Wiseman, one of the executive producers, highlighted the show’s global appeal and its focus on women’s empowerment.
The Public Prize was awarded to Germany’s “Helgoland 513,” produced by UFA Fiction. The dystopian drama centers on a small community of survivors on Germany’s only offshore island, navigating a world plunged into chaos.
In the news and documentaries category, France’s “La guerre de l’info: Israël/Hamas” was named Best News Program. The documentary, produced by France.TV Studio and France.TV Presse, delves into the complex and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The UK’s “Ukraine’s War: The Other Side,” produced by Sean Langan and Tiger Nest Film Production for ITV, won Best Documentary. The film provides a unique perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, shedding light on the human stories behind the headlines.
Italy’s “Broken Dream,” produced by RAI and Nanof in co-production with Cinétévé in France, received the Jury Special Prize. The documentary explores the impact of economic crises on individuals and communities, offering a poignant look at resilience and hope.
The Prince Rainier III Special Prize was awarded to Germany’s “Wie extrem wird das Wetter, Sven Plöger? – Die Macht des El Niño,” produced by Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion. The documentary examines the effects of climate change and the power of the El Niño phenomenon.
Sweden’s “Mines of Death,” produced by TV4, won the Amade Prize, while Spain’s “The Law of the Sea,” produced by RTVE and À Punt, took home the Monaco Red Cross Prize. Both documentaries highlight critical global issues, from environmental hazards to humanitarian crises.
The Honorary Golden Nymph Award, the festival’s highest accolade, was presented to French actor and director Olivier Marchal by Prince Albert II of Monaco. Marchal was recognized for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
The Monte-Carlo Television Festival also featured a range of public events, allowing fans to engage with their favorite stars and gain insights into the world of television production. The festival’s expanded business content sessions provided industry professionals with valuable opportunities to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the global entertainment landscape.
Overall, the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival celebrated the best in television, honoring outstanding achievements in both fiction and documentary categories. “The Gathering” stood out as a major highlight, with its compelling story and exceptional performances earning it well-deserved recognition.
