See Red Carpet Photos From the 2024 Monte-Carlo Television Festival

On Friday night, Hollywood descended on Monaco for the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival, bringing popular stars from Bones to Bridgerton out of the woodwork for a night of premieres, princes, and prestige TV. Prince Albert II kicked off the weekend by awarding high honors to both Morgan Freeman (Crystal Nymph recipient) and Simone Ashley (International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent recipient). "I was really surprised, really pleasantly surprised," Simone told Cosmopolitan of her reaction to the award.

"All I ever wanted to do was create art and to tell stories in many different forms, so to have this acknowledged is truly an honor," Simone added on stage after accepting the award from Prince Albert. "I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities that have helped me open doors throughout my career. And there's one particularly that I'd like to acknowledge; I'd like to thank Shonda Rhimes, Shondaland, Netflix, and of course the many, many beloved fans of the show and the entire Bridgeton team. It has been—and continues to be—one of the most special moments for myself and everyone else involved. This season of Bridgerton is led by the phenomenally talented Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, so as I stand here, I can't help but feel so excited for everything that's ahead for them. We are all so proud to be part of something that has brought mountains of joy to us, but also to the world."

The opening concluded with the world premiere of an episode of the Civil War-era spy drama The Gray House, which was co-produced by Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner and stars Mary-Louise Parker, Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis, and Ben Vereen.

"For me, it is really exciting because this was the mark of mini firsts," Amethyst said during a pre-screening cast discussion. "It was my first time being a lead actress, my first time in Europe, and [my character] Mary Jane is a fighter. I loved doing all my own stunts, which was a first as well."

In celebration of the festival, enjoy red carpet photos from the 2024 Monte-Carlo Television Festival opening, below.