Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano Awards
The highest honor in Italian theatre, hosted at the Teatro Argentina in Rome
About Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano
The most important award in Italian theatre
The Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano Awards represent the highest recognition for prose theatre in Italy, often compared to the American Tony Awards or the French Molière Awards. Every year in Rome, the iconic mask-shaped statuettes honor the best shows, performers, and technical staff of the recently concluded theatre season, providing a snapshot of the current state of the Italian stage.
A long Roman history
The award was established in 2003 as the Premio ETI - Gli Olimpici del Teatro and adopted its current name in 2011. After being hosted in various cities, the event is now firmly rooted in the City of Rome. For three consecutive editions, it has been organized by the Teatro di Roma Foundation, under the aegis of AGIS, with the Teatro Argentina serving as its natural home. The expert committee is chaired by Gianni Letta.
How the voting works
The unique feature of this award is its democratic and transparent mechanism. A jury of experts selects the three finalists for each category during a public session open to actors, directors, critics, and the general public. The nominations are then submitted to an assembly of over a thousand industry professionals, along with selected subscribers from major national theatres, who elect the winners via a secret electronic vote.
The categories
The awards cover the entire spectrum of theatrical production across thirteen main categories:
- Best prose show and best direction
- Best lead actor and actress
- Best supporting actor and actress
- Best emerging actor and best monologue performer
- Best new Italian playwright
- Best set designer, costume designer, composer, and lighting designer
These are complemented by special awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Maurizio Scaparro International Special Award, the Graziella Lonardi Buontempo Award, and recognitions assigned by the jury president.
Rome, the theatre capital
Set in the Teatro Argentina, one of Lazio's historic stages inaugurated in 1732, the ceremony transforms the capital's historic center into a gathering point for the entire Italian theatre world for one night. The delayed broadcast on Rai Uno brings the gala evening into the homes of millions of viewers, confirming Rome's role as the national showcase for live culture.
Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano — edition 2026
23rd edition, 2026
The 2026 edition of the Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano Awards is divided into two parts at the Teatro Argentina in Rome. On Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the public session brought together the expert jury chaired by Gianni Letta to select the finalists in each category. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with a delayed broadcast on Rai Uno, hosted by Serena Autieri and Antonio Bannò.
Among the finalists for best direction are names such as Robert Carsen, Gabriele Lavia, Thomas Ostermeier, and Arturo Cirillo; among the performers in the running are Elena Sofia Ricci, Elio Germano, and Umberto Orsini. The play Le false confidenze by Marivaux, directed by Arturo Cirillo, stands out with the highest number of nominations. The winners will be announced by the assembly of over a thousand industry professionals via secret electronic vote.
Programme Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano 2026
2026 Program
- June 15, 2026, 5:30 PM - Public session at Teatro Argentina: selection of finalists by the expert jury
- September 19, 2026 - Awards ceremony at Teatro Argentina, broadcast on Rai Uno, hosted by Serena Autieri and Antonio Bannò
Thirteen categories are in competition, ranging from prose show and direction to performers, as well as set design, costumes, music, and lighting, in addition to special lifetime achievement and international awards.
Highlights Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano 2026
- Ceremony on the historic stage of the Teatro Argentina
- Delayed broadcast on Rai Uno
- Hosted by Serena Autieri and Antonio Bannò
- Jury chaired by Gianni Letta
- Exceptional finalists: Gabriele Lavia, Elio Germano, Umberto Orsini, Elena Sofia Ricci
Prices Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano 2026
Practical information — Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano
Getting there
The Teatro Argentina is located in Largo di Torre Argentina, in the historic center of Rome, within easy walking distance of Piazza Venezia and the Pantheon. Numerous bus lines stop at Largo di Torre Argentina; Termini station is approximately 20 minutes away by public transport.
Admission
The public session for selecting the finalists is held at the Teatro Argentina with free admission subject to availability. The awards ceremony is a gala event broadcast on a delayed basis on Rai Uno.
Information
Program and updates are available on the Teatro di Roma Foundation website, teatrodiroma.net.
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Where does it take place — Le Maschere del Teatro Italiano
Teatro Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina 52, 00186 Roma