International award for cinema, culture, and environmental sustainability at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina
The Nations Award is an international prize that has made Taormina, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, its home. Every year, at the end of June, the pearl of the Ionian Sea welcomes actors, directors, scientists, archaeologists, architects, and cultural figures for an event that blends glamour, reflection, and civic engagement. The award celebrates those who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, building a bridge between art, culture, innovation, and environmental awareness.
The pinnacle of the event is the gala evening hosted in the unique setting of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, one of Sicily's most evocative monuments, overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. Stars of Italian and international cinema walk the stage beneath the ancient tiers, receiving sculptures created specifically for the event. The ceremony is hosted by prominent figures from the entertainment and journalism worlds.
A distinctive feature of the Nations Award is its strong bond with environmental issues. The "Thinking Green" format is a discussion forum dedicated to sustainability: a series of meetings and debates, hosted in Taormina's hotels, that bring together experts, institutional representatives, professionals, and the award winners themselves to address the challenges of climate change and ecological architecture.
The event takes place under the high patronage of the Italian Senate and with the support of the Sicilian Region, the Municipality of Taormina, and numerous professional associations, universities, and cultural foundations. Over the years, the Nations Award has solidified its reputation as a prestigious appointment, capable of combining artistic excellence with a concrete message in favor of the environment.
Choosing Taormina is no coincidence: the Sicilian town, overlooking the Ionian Sea and dominated by the bulk of Mount Etna, has always been a crossroads for international cinema and culture. The Nations Award fits into this tradition, offering residents and visitors days of events featuring awards, talks, and social moments in the heart of Sicily.
From June 25 to 28, 2026, Taormina celebrates twenty years of the Nations Award. The program culminates with the gala evening on Saturday, June 27, at the Ancient Theatre, hosted by actress Barbara Tabita and journalist Andrea Morandi. The twentieth-anniversary edition broadens its scope from cinema to archaeology and sustainable architecture.
Announced protagonists include actors Sergio Castellitto, Alessandra Mastronardi, Michele Morrone, and Turkish actress Özge Özpirinçci, known for the series "The Girl of the Green Valley". Alongside them are two symbols of global culture: Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, and architect Mario Cucinella, one of the most authoritative names in contemporary sustainable architecture. The award also celebrates writer Margaret Mazzantini.
The "Thinking Green" format returns, the salon dedicated to environmental sustainability issues, with meetings hosted at the NH Hotel in Taormina and the participation of experts, institutional representatives, professionals, and award winners.
Taormina can be reached by car via the A18 Messina-Catania motorway (Taormina exit) and by train via the Taormina-Giardini station, which is connected to the town center by shuttle bus. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, about an hour away.
The gala evening is held at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina; the "Thinking Green" meetings take place at various hotels in the city. Access to the gala is by invitation only; for information and reservations, please email [email protected].
The event traditionally takes place in late June. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance due to the high tourist season.
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Teatro Antico di Taormina