FROM LUCA TOMMASSINI TO GENNARO NUNZIANTE, FROM MIGUEL ÁNGEL SILVESTRE TO VIALINA LEMANN, THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY LINE-UP EXPANDS
New awards for Italian and international cinema, series, and new forms of entertainment
The 25th edition of the Kinéo Award, conceived and directed by Rosetta Sannelli, returns to the 83rd Venice International Film Festival as a historic collateral event.
Following the initial announcements—starting with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Faye Dunaway, along with Nicola Peltz Beckham, Alp Navruz, Oka Giner, Chiara Francini, Maria Gifuni, Raniero Monaco di Lapio, Sara Lazzaro, Cecilia Miniucchi, Katherine Schimmel and Paolo Calvano—the Kinéo is expanding its roster with new awards spanning film, television, series, choreography, and emerging talent, confirming the Award’s international and cross-disciplinary scope.
Particularly significant is the recognition awarded to Vialina Lemann, who will be the Ambassador for Women Empowerment for the 2026 Kinéo Award. An international top model of Uzbek origin and former rhythmic gymnast, Lemann has transformed her experience in the fashion world into a platform to promote self-determination, freedom of expression, and the empowerment of women. Her commitment has earned her several international accolades in recent years, including this year at Cannes, for her contribution to female empowerment and social impact.
Among the new winners is Luca Tommassini, who will receive the award for Best Choreography for The Devil Wears Prada 2, for which he oversaw Lady Gaga’s superb choreography. A dancer, choreographer, and artistic director, Tommassini has built a career first in Italy and then, thanks to his expertise and skills, also on an international level, cooperating with some of the biggest stars in the world of music, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Kylie Minogue.
Miguel Ángel Silvestre, one of the most recognizable faces in cinema and new international TV series from Spain is awarded too for Salvador Calvo’s film La Fiera. Moreover he has won over audiences with highly successful productions such as Velvet and Sense8, before appearing in international series such as Narcos and La Casa de Papel, cementing a career that has made him known far beyond his country’s borders.
Italian cinema will take center stage with Gennaro Nunziante, who will receive the awards for Best Comedy Film and Best Director for Buen Camino, the latest film starring Checco Zalone, Italy’s all-time box office champion. This marks a particularly significant return for the Nunziante-Zalone duo, who have starred in some of the greatest hits of contemporary Italian comedy.
The award for Best Leading Actor goes to Fabio Volo, a multifaceted artist with success on radio and television, and a highly successful writer with millions of copies sold and translated into several languages, for Prendiamoci una pausa (Let’s Take a Break) by Christian Marazziti.
For the same film, Ricky Memphis, who achieved success with Distretto di Polizia, and later with comedies and arthouse films such as La Scorta, Immaturi, Palermo Milano Solo andata, and Paolo Sorrentino’s Loro, will receive the award for Best Supporting Actor.
Among the new awards, the Best First Film Award goes to Massimiliano Gallo for La salita, a film with which the Neapolitan actor directs for the first time. A significant milestone in the career of one of the most acclaimed actors in Italian cinema and television, who, with her directorial debut, brought to the screen a story tied to the figure of Eduardo De Filippo.
Among Italian series, the Best Italian Series award goes to The Law According to Lidia Poët, directed by Letizia Lamartire, Pippo Mezzapesa, and Jacopo Bonvicini and produced by Netflix. The series, inspired by the story of the first Italian woman admitted to the bar, captivated audiences with its strong, unconventional protagonist and a narrative capable of combining historical reconstruction and contemporary sensibility.
Kinéo once again looks beyond national borders with the Best International Series award to A House of Dynamite, directed by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and distributed by Netflix. The thriller confirms the ability of international series to tackle highly topical issues through spectacular, cinematic language.
The Kinéo Award is also distinguished by its longstanding relationship with the public, who are invited to express their preferences and contribute to the awarding of prizes, together with a jury composed of authoritative figures from the world of cinema and audiovisual. A dialogue between the public and professionals that represents.
New faces, new stories, new languages: as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Kinéo Award continues to look ahead, without forgetting what has always made it unique: talent and a passion for cinema.
Among the evening’s partners the Consorzio Tutela del Prosecco Doc.
“The partnership between the Consorzio di Tutela del Prosecco DOC and the Kinéo Award is renewed in the name of excellence. Our sparkling wine is the result of the constant care and dedication that our producers devote every day, from vineyard to winery, just as a film is the result of talent, passion and attention to detail. We are proud to accompany this prestigious award, reaffirming the international appeal of Prosecco DOC and its ability to engage with the highest expressions of contemporary art and lifestyle.”
The partnership with WAMI has also been renewed.
“The partnership between WAMI and the Kinéo Award is rooted in shared values – say Giacomo Serafini and Michele Fenoglio, co-founders of WAMI – such as care for people and the planet, and the desire to generate a positive impact through the choices we make.”
The beauty of the celebrities, meanwhile, will be entrusted to MY.ORGANICS, a Venetian hair stylist of international renown in the beauty and fashion world, who will create the hairstyles of the attending personalities, enhancing their looks with a touch of elegance and sophistication.
THE PROGRAM
The 2026 Kinéo Award, celebrating 25 years since its foundation in 2002, will take place in Venice and the Venice Lido on September 4th and 5th according to the following schedule:
September 4th – 5:00 PM – Press Conference – Tropicana Conference Room 1 – Italian Pavilion – Hotel Excelsior – Venice Lido
September 5th – Red Carpet at the Palazzo del Cinema (time to be confirmed) – followed by a Meeting and Pre Award Ceremony – Casa Cinema Giovani – Via delle 4 Fontane 18/A – Venice Lido
September 5th – 9:00 PM – Homage Ceremony and Gala Dinner – Palazzo Cà Sagredo – Campo Santa Sofia – Venice
Updates and details on the event program will follow gradually.
