In 2026, the Sophia Awards once again celebrated Portuguese productions in a ceremony attended by Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, which took place at the Belém Cultural Centre (CCB) last Friday, 15 May. Banzo, the feature film by Margarida Cardoso supported by the Cash Rebate Incentive, won ten awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

The Sophia Award for Best Comedy Film went to Dreaming of Lions by Paolo Marinou-Blanco, while the award for Best Series was presented to Casa Abrigo, directed by Márcio Laranjeira, who was also responsible for the series’ creation, head writing and screenplay.

Among the projects supported by the Cash Rebate Incentive that were recognised by the Portuguese Film Academy were also Lavagante (Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor), As Meninas Exemplares (Best Costume Design and Best Make-up, Hair and Characterisation) and Off the Beaten Track (Best Poster), among a wide range of nominations.

The 15th edition of the Sophia Awards also presented the award for Best European Film to Sirât by Oliver Laxe, and the award for Best Ibero-American Film to The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho. Actor Rui Mendes received the Sophia Career Award 2026, in a tribute that, according to the Portuguese Film Academy, recognises “a life entirely dedicated to the art of acting and his exceptional contribution to Portuguese culture.”

Photo: Portuguese Film Academy