Fox Celebrates Simpsons 20th Anniversary With MIPCOM

MIPCOM, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, the longest-running primetime TV series in history, at this year's October market.
The Croisette will glow yellow as The Simpsons series Creator and Executive Producer Matt Groening, along with Executive Producer Al Jean, come to Cannes. Both will deliver a Creative Keynote in the Palais' Grand Auditorium in which they will speak about the show's success, its longevity and its migration across all distribution platforms on October 6.
The Keynote will be moderated by actor/director Morgan Spurlock. That same day they will also participate in a highly anticipated Fox International Press Conference for the series along with the actors that voice Homer and Marge in France.
On October 7, the Mayor of Cannes will officially proclaim it Simpsons Day in Cannes, presenting Matt Groening with a yellow key to the city in a morning ceremony in front of Riviera Hall.
That evening, Matt will receive the first-ever MIPCOM Creative Icon Award during a gala yellow carpet dinner.
Laurine Garaude, Acting Director of Reed MIDEM's Television Division, said: "The irreverent humour of The Simpsons has travelled around the world. It is a remarkable example of a show that for two decades has combined creative richness with huge commercial success without compromise.
"We are proud to be a part of the celebration of this truly global television phenomenon."
Mark Kaner, President of Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, added: "We are excited to have Matt and Al at MIPCOM, and having the show honoured by Reed MIDEM as part of its 20th Anniversary celebration is worthy recognition from an international marketplace where creativity and great fun are held in high esteem."
In addition to The Simpsons celebration, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution will also be holding MIPCOM Screenings between October 5 and 8 in the Palais Auditorium H, where Fox will screen all new episodes of highly anticipated series including Glee, White Collar and Modern Family.
(KMcA/BMcC)