Monte-Carlo Film Festival 2026: Fausto Brizzi to Chair the Jury, Luc Besson and Sergio Castellitto Among the Guests

International comedy cinema is once again taking centre stage in the Principality of Monaco with the 23rd edition of the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 14, 2026, at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum.

Created and directed by Ezio Greggio, the festival has established itself as one of the leading international events dedicated to comedy, offering a rich programme of films in and out of competition.

The event is held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Italian Embassy. Radio Monte Carlo will once again be the festival’s official radio partner.

Fausto Brizzi to Chair the Monte-Carlo Film Festival Jury

The international jury for the 23rd edition will be chaired by Fausto Brizzi, director, screenwriter and author, who won the David di Donatello Award for Best New Director for Notte prima degli esami. His best-known films include Ex, Maschi contro femmine and the more recent Quasi Vera.

Brizzi will be joined by an outstanding jury featuring prominent personalities from cinema, television and entertainment.

Among them is Paul Belmondo, former Formula One driver, French actor and director, known for his performances in Itinéraire d’un enfant gâté and Beur sur la ville, as well as the television series Commissaire Moulin and Demain nous appartient.

The jury will also include Vanessa Incontrada, actress and television presenter, beloved by Italian audiences and known for films such as Il cuore altrove, A/R Andata + Ritorno, Quale amore and La cena per farli conoscere.

Completing the panel is Yvonne Sciò, actress and director with an international career spanning titles such as Stasera a casa di Alice, The Pink Panther, La masseria delle allodole and Il nascondiglio.

The jury will evaluate the films in competition, recognising talent, originality and artistic quality, with particular attention to the many forms of contemporary comedy.

Luc Besson and Sergio Castellitto to Attend the Closing Gala

One of the highlights of the 2026 Monte-Carlo Film Festival will be the traditional Gala and Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, November 14.

Special guests will include acclaimed French director Luc Besson, the filmmaker behind international hits such as The Big Blue, Léon, Nikita, The Fifth Element, Lucy and Dogman.

Joining him will be Sergio Castellitto, the Italian actor and director who has won three David di Donatello Awards.

Castellitto’s distinguished career includes memorable performances in The Ignorant Fairies, Don’t Move, Twice Born, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and Conclave. He recently appeared in the hit series The Gentlemen.

As a director, he has made acclaimed films including Libero Burro, Don’t Move, Fortunata and The Inner Cage.

Further special guests will be announced in the coming weeks, promising an event filled with excitement, memorable encounters and surprises.

An International Festival Celebrating Comedy

Under the artistic direction of Ezio Greggio, the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie continues to promote and celebrate comedy in all its forms through film premieres, competition screenings and special out-of-competition presentations.

The festival aims to give greater recognition to a genre loved by audiences but sometimes overlooked by critics, highlighting comedy’s ability to explore society, address contemporary issues and inspire reflection through laughter.

Founded by Ezio Greggio and the late Mario Monicelli, the festival has helped strengthen the standing of comedy within the international film industry, encouraging greater recognition of the genre at major European film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Rome and Turin.

The 23rd edition further confirms the festival’s international outlook, bringing together Italian, French and international cinema in the unique setting of the Principality of Monaco.

Short Comedy Award Returns to Celebrate Comedy Shorts

Following the success of previous editions, the Short Comedy Award returns, dedicated to comedic short films.

The award offers an important opportunity for emerging and established directors, actors and producers to present original stories capable of entertaining, moving and inspiring audiences.

Through the Short Comedy Award, the festival renews its commitment to supporting new talent and promoting innovative storytelling, reaffirming comedy as a creative language with the power to connect with audiences around the world.

From auteur cinema to emerging filmmakers, from short films to internationally renowned stars, the 2026 Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie is preparing to celebrate four days of outstanding cinema, further establishing Monaco as an international capital of comedy.