Her Majesty Queen Sofía to Present the 2026 Sophia Awards for Excellence
A Landmark Gala at Pérez Art Museum Miami
Miami, FL — March 21, 2026
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Miami will host an evening of international cultural significance as Her Majesty Queen Sofía travels from Spain to present the 2026 Sophia Awards for Excellence at a distinguished gala at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
Organized by the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, the Sophia Awards for Excellence recognize individuals who build appreciation for Spain and the Spanish-speaking world through wisdom and humanitarianism. The 2026 honorees are:
These distinguished couples are being recognized for their visionary leadership and longstanding contributions that have strengthened communities across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The Meaning Behind the Award
Named after the Greek word for wisdom, “Sophia,” the award is presented to a person or organization that has actively contributed to the international appreciation of Spain and the Americas through a donation of time, expertise, and innate wisdom in the areas of sciences, arts, or humanities.
From 1978 to 2013, the Institute annually presented Gold Medals to individuals whose achievements advanced international understanding of Spain and the Americas. Among past recipients were Santiago Calatrava, President Bill Clinton, Julio Iglesias, the National Soccer Team of Spain, Beatrice Santo Domingo, Antonio Banderas, Montserrat Caballé, and Felipe VI of Spain.
In 2018, the Institute renewed its highest distinction by inaugurating the Sophia Award for Excellence — a prize honoring the wisdom and humanitarian spirit embodied by its Patroness, Queen Sofía of Spain. Since its inception, the award has continued to recognize global leaders across arts, diplomacy, science, business, and philanthropy whose work fosters lasting bonds between the Spanish-speaking world and the United States.
A Historic Moment for 2026
The 2026 Gala carries particular historical resonance. As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial (1776–2026), the evening will mark the beginning of Florida’s participation in the America&Spain250 initiative — commemorating 250 years of shared history, friendship, and collaboration between Spain and the United States.
Through this initiative, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute seeks to highlight Spain’s essential contributions to the American Revolution and to the development of the United States, while reaffirming the foundational role of Hispanic communities in shaping the nation.
Hosting the Gala in Miami underscores the city’s unique position as a cultural bridge linking the United States with Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean. As Miami continues to rise as an international center for culture and philanthropy, the Sophia Awards ceremony situates the city at the crossroads of history, diplomacy, and contemporary leadership.
About the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute
Founded in 1954 in New York by a group of American Hispanophiles, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering American interest in the art, culture, language, literature, and history of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. Through lectures, exhibitions, symposia, educational materials, and signature events, the Institute continues to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between nations.
The Sophia Awards Gala offers guests the opportunity to join leaders from the cultural, philanthropic, civic, and business communities for an evening of international significance. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available at multiple levels, including premier seating and private greetings with distinguished guests. Proceeds support the Institute’s educational and cultural initiatives.
Event Details:
The 2026 Sophia Awards for Excellence
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6:30 PM
Pérez Art Museum Miami
1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
For tickets and additional information, visit:
queensofiaspanishinstitute.org/sophiaawardforexcellence2026
or contact [email protected]
As Miami prepares to welcome Her Majesty Queen Sofía, the 2026 Sophia Awards promise not only celebration, but reflection — honoring the enduring bonds between Spain and the United States at a pivotal moment in shared history.
