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A city that tells its story through Cinema, Culture and Solidarity. An evening capable of transforming memory into the future, art into civil commitment and memory into collective participation. The seventh edition of the Adolfo Celi Prize 2026 ended with applause, emotions and extraordinary public participation, which took place yesterday at the Arena Cicciò del Palacultura with the traditional solidarity gala promoted by the Cirs-Casa Famiglia Ets.
A shared cultural project which, year after year, consolidates its role in the national panorama, making Messina a meeting place between cinema, education and social responsibility. A path created to remember the artistic and human legacy of Adolfo Celi, but which over time has become much more: a permanent space for reflection on the themes of inclusion, the dignity of the person and the fight against violence.
Actor, director and protagonist of international cinema, Adolfo Celi still remains one of the most prestigious cultural figures born in Messina. His career, which developed between Italy and Brazil, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, helping to build a bridge between different cultures and languages. And it is precisely this spirit of dialogue and openness that the Award has carried forward since its inception.
The evening of the Grand Gala gave the city an atmosphere of great participation. Actress Chiara Russo guided the public along this journey, accompanying the most intense moments of the event, underlining the value of a culture capable of building relationships and generating change. Among the most anticipated protagonists of the Gala, the film “Something Lilac”, awarded for its ability to authentically narrate highly topical social and human issues. Director Isabella Leoni and screenwriter Maruska Albertazzi took to the stage.
The 2026 Adolfo Celi Award was also awarded to Giulio Base, director, screenwriter, actor and film producer, author of a career that has spanned different genres and languages while always keeping an eye on the ethical and cultural dimension of the cinematic story.
The awarding of the special recognition “Messina nel Cuore” was particularly exciting, dedicated to those who, despite operating in different fields or far from the city, continue to represent its values and identity. The prize was awarded to Enrico Gringeri, associate professor of General Surgery, for his contribution in the medical and scientific field (it was presented to him by Mayor Basile) and to entrepreneurs Veronica Zimbaro and Marco Storari, examples of entrepreneurial vision and connection with the territory (awarded by the editor-in-chief of the Gazzetta del Sud, Nino Rizzo Nervo).
Culture became a spectacle thanks to the performances of the Maurolico classical high school choir, capable of exciting the public with a refined repertoire, and of the “On Stage” Academy of musicals and acting, directed by Paride Acacia and Sarah Lanza.
The Adolfo Celi Award was born from the experience of Cirs, a historic organization in Messina that has been committed for decades to welcoming, supporting and achieving independence for women in difficulty, promoting a culture of non-violence and respect for the person. The value of the event was underlined by the president of Cirs, Maria Celeste Celi, who, during the evening, recalled the cultural and social mission: «The Adolfo Celi Award represents for us much more than an artistic recognition: it is a meeting space between culture, solidarity and active citizenship. We deeply believe that Cinema, Art and storytelling can become tools of education and social change, capable of promoting respect for the person, dialogue and a culture of non-violence.” The president then highlighted the role of the community in the growth of the initiative: «Seeing the city of Messina participate with enthusiasm this evening, together with young people, institutions and local realities, confirms that we are building an increasingly aware and inclusive community. This Award belongs to the city and continues to grow thanks to the strength of relationships and the sharing of common values.” A message that contains the very essence of the cultural project promoted by Cirs, in the belief that education, art and storytelling can concretely contribute to the construction of a more attentive and inclusive society.