Paula Alí Honored with Cuba's National Television Award for 2026

The Board of Directors at the Institute of Information and Social Communication (ICS Cuba) unanimously decided this Friday to bestow the 2026 National Television Award upon Paula Andrea Alí Rivera, a cherished and esteemed actress within Cuban culture, as recommended by the Cuban Television Directorate.

This accolade celebrates over sixty years of uninterrupted contributions to television, theater, and cinema on the Island. As announced by the ICS through its social media channels, "it is an honor to wake up to this confirmation," a decision made during the organization's regular meeting.

Born on January 26, 1938, in Candelaria, now part of Artemisa Province, Paula Andrea Alí Rivera began her artistic journey in 1959 as a model and extra on television, never imagining she would become a national cultural icon.

Her career spans nearly every possible stage. She graced the Teatro Martí performing in vernacular and bufo theater, joined the prestigious Teatro Estudio group in 1970 — maintaining ties with them to this day — and also collaborated with El Público, where she starred in "La Celestina" under the direction of Carlos Díaz.

In film, her extensive résumé includes over 30 ICAIC movies, such as "Lista de espera" (2000), "Nada" (2001), "El cuerno de la abundancia" (2008), and "Cartas del Parque." Notably, her role in "Nada," directed by Juan Carlos Cremata, earned her the Best Actress Award at the Cartagena de Indias Festival in Colombia in 2003.

Television Career and Iconic Roles

On the small screen, as highlighted by Cubavisión in announcing her award, her "masterful versatility in moving between drama and comedy has made her a staple in Cuban households." Her participation in telenovelas like "Enamorada del mar" (1989), "Las huérfanas de la Obrapía" (1999), and "Vuelve a mirar" (2021) is embedded in the collective memory of multiple Cuban generations. She is also fondly remembered for her role as Dr. Rosa Matriz in the beloved comedy show "Punto G."

The ICS emphasized that "her legacy remains in the collective memory of a nation that has admired her for years, and her name is synonymous with dedication, talent, and a passion for acting," adding that "her career continues to inspire new generations of Cuban artists."

Recognitions and Impact Beyond Television

The 2026 National Television Award adds to a long list of accolades she has garnered throughout her life. These include the UNEAC Award for female performance in television for "El año que viene" (1993), the Segismundo Awards for the monologue "Una mujer sola" (1990), the Pequeña Pantalla Award, and the Special Master of Generations Award, both in 2021, alongside the Distinction for National Culture. She has also toured internationally in Portugal, Yugoslavia, Spain, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia.

The actress, who celebrated her 88th birthday in January 2026 with a special tribute on the national channel's "Al Mediodía" program, has evoked a wave of popular affection in Cuba that transcends artistic boundaries. In August 2024, she was urgently hospitalized at the Havana Cardiology Institute, sparking an outpouring of solidarity on social media; she recovered well. In June 2025, the National Council of Performing Arts had to dispel new rumors about her health, confirming she was in good condition.

This recognition comes at a time when Cuban television faces severe material challenges, marked by electrical outages plaguing the nation since 2024 and the massive exodus of talent. Thus, the homage to such a legendary figure, who at 88 and with over six decades of dedication, remains, as Cubavisión summarized, "one of the greatest living legends of our screens," holds an additional symbolic value.