The Grimaldi Forum hosted the 36th Sportel awards on Monday evening, celebrating this year’s finest sports films and productions.
The blue carpet was rolled out for champions, filmmakers and distinguished guests before the ceremony kicked off in the packed Salle des Princes. Prince Albert II attended alongside Louis and Marie Ducruet, joining athletes and members of jury for the photocall ahead of the main event.
Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the ceremony recognised incredible achievements in sports broadcasting and film production. Host Marc Maury guided the evening’s proceedings.
The 2025 awards’ winners
Prince Albert II personally presented two major honours, Athletics legend Marie-José Perec received the Autobiography Award for her book ‘Ma Vie Olympique’, while motor racing icon Jacky Ickx was handed the Lifetime Sport Achievement Award.
The Golden Podiums, which celebrate directors and producers who capture sporting moments on film, saw NBC Sports take home Best Show Motion for ‘Ilia Malinin: Relatable Awe’. Meanwhile, South Africa’s ‘Personal Best’ won Best Thematic Documentary, while France’s ‘Comme tout le monde’ claimed Best Report.
Following, British production ‘I’m Carl Lewis!’ secured Best Biopic, and ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ won Best Docu-Series. Lastly, Canal+’s ‘La Quête’ took the Best Advertising award, and ‘Laure ! Laure ! Laure!’ received the Jury Special Prize.
The jury, presided over by tennis star Henri Leconte, included handball champion Allison Pineau, cyclist Masomah Ali Zada, footballer Lonsana Doumbouya, and several media professionals.
ESPN Deportes’ Las Amazonas de Yaxunah also won the Peace and Sport Documentary Prize, while the Sports Book Prize went to ‘Rainer W. Schlegelmilch – Porsche racing moments.’
Freediving champion Pierre Frolla also unveiled his art book ABYSS during one of the public events held alongside the ceremony.
Marine Picoulet, Executive Director of Sportel Awards, called the 2025 edition “one of the most powerful and inspiring” yet, praising the celebration of both champions and the artists who bring sport to life on screen.
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Main photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life.