Prince Albert II, the patron of the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, graced the red carpet for the conclusion of the 21st edition over the weekend, joining a host of comedy talents including La Casa en Flames’ Director Dani de la Orden, whose production stole the spotlight by winning both the Best Film Award and the Audience Prize.
The 21st Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, which took place from 27th to 30th November at the Grimaldi Forum, was a celebration of comedy in film. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with a great number of top stars and celebrities in attendance and an amazing array of content on display.
2024 winners
This year’s Festival saw Spaniard Dani de la Orden walk away with both the Best Film Award and the Audience Prize for La Casa en Flames, a hilarious story of a divorced mother who lets nothing get in the way of a holiday at the soon-to-be-sold family beach home with her two estranged children.
Other top honours reflected the international scope of the festival: Matthew Rankin received Best Director for the Canadian film Universal Language, praised for its inventive storytelling; Marcelo Subiotto was awarded Best Actor for his amazing performance in the Argentinian film Puan; and Marie Benati’s comedic talent in the English film Paul & Paulette Take a Bath earned her the Best Actress accolade. The Best Comedy in the Short Film category went to the Belgian production Alllégresse, directed by Gillie Cinneri and starring Clara Yelin and Georges Siatidis.
Tributes and special guests
Special tributes and guest appearances added to the final evening’s splendour. Giuseppe Tornatore, the legendary director of the Oscar-winning Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, received the MCFF Award of Excellence, an award presented by Prince Albert II. Peter Chelsom, known for works like A Sudden Case of Christmas and Shall We Dance?, was honoured for his illustrious career, and French legend Andréa Ferréol was celebrated for her 50-year journey in cinema with iconic films like La Grande Bouffe and Le Dernier Métro, as well as for her ongoing contributions to the art form.
Salvatore Esposito, known for his roles in Fargo and the upcoming series Piedone – Uno Sbirro a Napoli, received a special award and showcased his literary work, Le Streghe di Lourdes. Paola Minaccioni was celebrated for her versatile performances in Italian cinema, while Ricky Memphis, a beloved figure in Italian comedy, was recognised for his enduring popularity.
Rising star Federica Sabatini, noted for her roles in Suburræterna and Prophecy, was awarded the Young Generation Prize, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting new talent.
Founded by comedian Ezio Greggio, the festival remains a unique platform for celebrating comedy as a universal language. This year, Marlù Gioielli introduced the Your Words Can Make the Difference award, emphasising the power of words to inspire change and address social issues. Supported by the Italian Embassy and Radio Monte Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie continues to shine as a global beacon of comedic excellence.
As the curtains close on this year’s edition, the festival’s legacy grows stronger with the promise of another vibrant celebration of laughter and storytelling in 2025.
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Photos credit: S. Chiappalone / MCFF