Spartacus: Blood and Sand on Way to 50th Monte Carlo TV Festival
Lucy Lawless as Lucretia in Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Starz
The controversial Starz cable series Spartacus: Blood and Sand that has kept spectators pinned to their seats in San Francisco since its premiere January 22 through its final episode for Season 1, April 16, has not only received local acclaim but now international recognition.
Lucy Lawless who plays Lucretia in Spartacus has been nominated for an outstanding actress award at the 50th Monte Carlo TV Festival slated for June 1-6. T. Andy Whitfield and John Hannah have also been nominated as outstanding actors. Rob Tapert, Lawless' husband, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight are also on the list for outstanding international producers. Accompanying Lawless to Monte Carlo will be Peter Mensah who plays Doctore in the series.
The Monte Carlo TV Festival begin in 1961 and was launched by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The regent remarked on the occasion that he "wished to encourage a new form of artistic expression, in the service of peace and understanding for mankind".
The festival has competitions for outstanding television movies, news, and mini series with categories in documentary, comedy and drama, There is also an international TV audience award for best comedy, drama and soap opera series. The winners will take home a "Golden Nymph" statuette.
Other nominees in Monte Carlo for shows that are popular in San Francisco include actors from Dexter: Michael C Hall for outstanding actor and Julie Benz and Jennifer Carpenterfor outstanding actress. The Millenieum series - Män som Hatar Kvinnor - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo produced by Yellowbird AB, Sweden has been nominated as outstanding mini series, recently enjoying a successful run in San Francisco at Landmark Theaters and the Balboa Theater.
Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski have been nominated as outstanding actresses in a comedy series for 30 Rock.
