Cuba Announces Call for Nominations for 2026 National Film Award

The Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (Icaic) has officially opened the call for nominations for the XXIV National Film Award, the most relevant distinction granted by the country in this artistic manifestation.

The institution announced that all entities, sections of creator organizations legalized in Cuba, and provincial directorates may submit their proposals, according to Alexis Triana, president of Icaic.

The National Film Award recognizes filmmakers, actors, technicians, and screenwriters with outstanding professional careers, with the purpose of exalting diversity across all disciplines of the sector. Triana emphasized that the nomination process must be rigorous and that the proposal constitutes recognition of these personalities' contribution to the Cuban cinematographic movement.

The award ceremony will be held on March 24 and will coincide with the presentation of the Titón Award, which distinguishes the work of the year in the First Cuban National Film Showcase and Competition. This coincidence reinforces the integrative character of the recognitions and the relevance of the date for the country's film community.

In previous editions, the National Film Award has been bestowed upon figures of great prestige. In 2025, actress Mirta Ibarra received the distinction, while in 2024 the award went to actor Jorge Perugorría. Both artists are producers of the feature film Neurótica Anónima (2025), currently selected among the ten Latin American films competing at the Malaga Film Festival in Spain, confirming the international projection of Cuban cinema.