A Sparkling Gala in Monaco: Laughter, Legacy & Leading Ladies at the 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie
A light evening rain greeted guests arriving at the Grimaldi Forum a silver drizzle that, in the absence of moonlight, shimmered like scattered crystals across Monte-Carlo. Far from dimming the glamour, it added a subtle elegance to the sky-blue carpet, mirroring the sequins and refined silhouettes of the gala’s guests as the 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie opened its much-awaited awards night.
The gala was once again guided by the unmistakable charm of Ezio Greggio, who welcomed stars and friends of the festival with his signature warmth and effortless timing. At his side, the poised Lavinia Circeo presented the Damiani-crafted awards with grace, setting the tone for an evening that blended sophistication with the joyful spirit of comedy. Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the festival reaffirmed its place as one of Monaco’s most cherished cultural gatherings.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came when Gabriele Greggio took the stage to present an award to Spanish actress Teresa Riott. The scene hinted at a quietly evolving family tradition, while offering a brief nod to Gabriele’s commitment to nurturing young international talent in the Principality through his Monte-Carlo Acting Academy.
The awards themselves celebrated both established voices and rising stars. Spanish director Manuel Gómez Pereira won the Best Movie Award for La Cena, praised for exploring the shadows of Franco-era Spain with intelligence, emotional depth and a surprising lightness. He also received the Audience Award, presented by Manuela Ruosi, the first-ever woman Ambassador of Italy to Monaco, whose presence added a subtle note of distinction and feminine leadership to the evening.
Amélie Bonnin received the Best Director Award for Partir un Jour, highlighted for her delicate, musical approach to storytelling.
The Best Actress Award went to Juliette Armanet for her compelling performance in the same film a modern woman brought to life with nuance, spontaneity and charm. Best Actor was awarded ex-aequo to Guillermo Francella, astonishing in Homo Argentum for embodying sixteen different characters, and Mads Mikkelsen, recognized for his dignified and moving portrayal in The Last Viking.
Celebrating cinema’s icons, the festival honored Franco Nero with the prestigious Legend Award, while Lino Banfi received the same distinction to warm applause, his trademark humour touching the audience.
Massimo Boldi, Vincenzo Salemme, and Paolo Genovese were also celebrated, with Elisabetta Gregoraci a familiar and beloved face for Monaco Woman readers presenting an award with her signature elegance.
Equally captivating for our readers was the presence of the festival’s leading women: Claudia Gerini, distinguished President of the Jury, reminded the audience that performing comedy requires as much craft and discipline as any dramatic role, while joking that she herself would never dare direct a comedy — “too difficult,” she noted with a smile.
Mădălina Ghenea — honored with the Marlù Award for her social commitment — brought her own refined presence to the evening, adding a graceful blend of purpose, charm and femininity to the gala.
The evening reached a lively crescendo with Gipsy Kings Way by Pablo Reyes, whose unmistakable rhythms brought the gala to life and filled the room with warmth and celebration.
In the end, the 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie captured exactly what makes Monaco unique: elegance even in the rain, glamour with sincerity, and the ability to celebrate humour with the same reverence reserved for art in all its forms.
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Edit by @Antonio Costamante
Editor @Monaco Woman
