MUMBAI: The Simpsons, the longest-running primetime TV series in history, will celebrate its 20th anniversary at MIPCOM 2009. In partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, which handles international distribution for the show, MIPCOM will hold a series of events to mark The Simpsons global success over the past two decades.

Series creator and executive producer Matt Groening along with executive producer Al Jean will be in Cannes, where Groening will receive the inaugural MIPCOM Creative Icon Award during a gala dinner on 7 October, with Jean acting as master of ceremonies. Both will also deliver a Creative Keynote in which they will speak about the show’s success, its longevity and its migration across all distribution platforms on 6 October, the same day they participate in a Fox International Press Conference for The Simpsons.

"The irreverent humor of The Simpsons has traveled 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," said Reed MIDEM’s Television Division acting director Laurine Garaude.

"We are excited to have Matt and Al at MIPCOM, and having the show honored 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," added Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution president Mark Kaner.