Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie 2026: Ezio Greggio Opens the 23rd Edition with Leonardo Pieraccioni

Cinema and comedy take centre stage once again in the Principality of Monaco with the 23rd edition of the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie. Created and directed by Ezio Greggio, the festival brings together Italian and international directors, actors and entertainment personalities at the Grimaldi Forum from 11 to 14 November 2026.

The festival officially opened on Wednesday 11 November with the world premiere, out of competition, of “Un weekend artificiale”, the new film by Leonardo Pieraccioni, due to be released in Italian cinemas on 12 November. The Salle Camille Blanc at the Grimaldi Forum welcomed a large audience for the screening, as well as for the press conference held ahead of the film.

Following the screening, Ezio Greggio, festival founder and director, introduced the jury members to the journalists and led a discussion on one of the most topical issues facing the entertainment industry: the relationship between cinema, acting and artificial intelligence.

Fausto Brizzi chairs the jury: cinema and comedy are enjoying an important moment

The competition jury is headed by Fausto Brizzi, director and screenwriter, alongside Vanessa Incontrada, Yvonne Sciò and Paul Belmondo.

During the press conference, Brizzi expressed confidence in the current state of the film industry: “Cinema is doing well, both Italian and international. And this is an important moment for comedy to make its mark with major releases, as is traditionally the case at this time of year.”

The jury president also addressed the use of artificial intelligence, revealing that he had experimented with the technology to create some scenes in his upcoming film. In his view, this development makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish real images from artificially generated ones: “You can’t tell which scenes are real and which have been created with AI. It’s the wonder of technology, but it’s also a warning we should keep firmly in mind.”

Artificial intelligence and cinema: the debate with Ezio Greggio and the jury

The press conference also provided an opportunity to reflect on the future of acting and the impact artificial intelligence could have on the audiovisual industry.

Ezio Greggio highlighted the delicate balance between technological innovation and artistic authenticity, stressing the importance of preserving the role of performers: “The line is a fine one. Actors should continue acting as they always have. Perhaps theatre is the truest and most realistic stage for any actor.”

Vanessa Incontrada shared this view, emphasising the importance of the human element in acting: “Acting must remain very human. I would have to think carefully before making a film in which part of my character was created by artificial intelligence.”

Yvonne Sciò also expressed mixed feelings about the new technology: “I’m fascinated by it, but artificial intelligence also frightens me. It’s like stepping into the unknown.”

Paul Belmondo, meanwhile, reflected on the relationship between fiction and reality in cinema, recalling the action scenes performed by his father, Jean-Paul Belmondo: “My father, Jean-Paul, used to perform dangerous scenes. Today, fiction takes away the emotion of reality and the pleasure of making films.”

He also urged caution when it comes to information generated by artificial intelligence, emphasising the need to verify sources and content so that potential errors are not repeated as reliable answers.

Monte-Carlo Film Festival 2026: the Awards Gala on Saturday 14 November

The festival will conclude with the Awards Gala, scheduled for Saturday 14 November at 7 pm at the Grimaldi Forum. Hosted by Ezio Greggio, the evening will bring together special guests, artists and leading personalities from film and television.

Among the most eagerly awaited honours is the MCFF Legend Award, which will be presented to Luc Besson, the acclaimed French director and one of the best-known figures in international cinema. The MCFF Award 2026 for Lifetime Achievement will go to Italian director, writer and actor Sergio Castellitto.

Vanessa Incontrada will receive the MCFF Award in recognition of her significant contribution to film and television, while Fausto Brizzi will be presented with the MCFF Comedy Award, a special distinction celebrating his career.

The evening will also feature a special award for Ezio Greggio. For the first time, Umberto Brindani, editor of Gente magazine, will present him with a prestigious recognition for his contribution to the entertainment industry over more than forty years in film and television.

From landmark television shows such as Drive In and Striscia la notizia to cult films like Yuppies, and The Silence of the Hams, which Greggio wrote and directed and which was distributed in more than fifty countries, his career has left a lasting mark on Italian popular culture.

Marlù Award and special honours: a spotlight on socially engaged cinema

The 2026 edition introduces an important new feature: the Marlù Award, the festival’s official prize, will be presented to the best short film.

Alongside awards celebrating careers and performances, the festival will also continue to recognise films addressing important social issues. During the Gala, the Cinema and Social Award – Marlù Social Award will be presented to producer Guglielmo Marchetti.

The award recognises his commitment to producing and distributing Se domani non torno, directed by Paola Randi and inspired by the femicide of Giulia Cecchettin.

Yuman to perform at the Awards Gala

Music will also play a key role during the 14 November Gala. Yuman, the stage name of Yuri Santos Tavares, will perform at the Grimaldi Forum. He won Sanremo Giovani in 2021 and competed among the Big Artists at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2022.

An Italian singer-songwriter with a strong international identity, Yuman will perform songs from his repertoire, blending soul, rhythm and blues and contemporary pop. His performance will add an elegant and distinctive musical dimension to the awards ceremony.

Tickets and practical information: Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie 2026

The Awards Gala on Saturday 14 November 2026 is open to the public. Tickets cost €50 per person and can be purchased through the festival’s official website: www.monte-carlofilmfestival.com.

The Grimaldi Forum will open its doors to the public at 6:30 pm, with the awards ceremony beginning at 7 pm.

The Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie takes place under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Embassy of Italy. Radio Monte Carlo has been the festival’s Official Radio Partner since its first edition.

With its 23rd edition, the festival once again confirms Monaco’s position as an international meeting place for comedy cinema and entertainment personalities, offering four days dedicated to new productions, leading performers and discussion of the changes shaping the audiovisual industry.