Monte-Carlo TV Festival adds digital competition for 2026
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
The 65th Monte-Carlo Television Festival, running 12, 16 June at the Grimaldi Forum, launches its first official digital competition with nine programmes competing for two inaugural Golden Nymphs.
The Monte-Carlo Television Festival opens its 65th edition on Friday with a significant structural change: for the first time, digital creators are competing for official Golden Nymphs rather than receiving honorary recognition. Nine programmes from across the world have entered the new category, with two awards on offer before the festival closes on 16 June.
The shift follows last year's honorary prize to French YouTuber Squeezie, whose inclusion signalled the festival's intention to treat online content as a serious creative form. That gesture has now been formalised into a full competitive strand, placing YouTube and platform-native productions alongside traditional television in the Grimaldi Forum's main programme.
For Monaco residents and regular festival-goers, the change is visible on the blue carpet from the opening night. The Grimaldi Forum hosts the full run of screenings, industry sessions and award ceremonies through to Tuesday evening.