The Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Soberano Awards, the most prestigious honor in Dominican art and entertainment. This announcement marks the beginning of the countdown to the gala, scheduled for 18 March at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Eduardo Brito National Theater.
The nominations, finalized after intensive deliberation by juries across film, classical arts, popular music, and communications, highlight the standout performances of 2025. The long-lasting evening show, that includes a red gala of the stars, is an opportunity to get up to date with who is who in the entertainment business in the Dominican Republic.
Highlights of the 2026 nominations
The merengue and urban categories remain the heartbeat of the awards. Veteran performers like Eddy Herrera, Miriam Cruz, and Manny Cruz are vying for Merenguero of the Year, while the Album of the Year category features a diverse range of sounds from Los Hermanos Rosario (Infinito positivo) to Vicente García (Puñito de Yocahú).
In the urban sphere, the competition is fierce with Don Miguelo, Yailin, La Perversa, and La Insuperable all nominated for Urban Artist of the Year.
The Dominican film industry continues its growth, with Tito Rodríguez (La Grande), Leticia Tonos (Aire), and Gabriella Moses (Boca Chica) leading the Best Director category. High-profile actors such as Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) and Jharrel Jerome (Indetenible) are recognized in the Outstanding Artist Abroad category, emphasizing the global reach of Dominican talent.
Reflecting the evolving media landscape, the YouTuber of the Year category includes heavyweights like Santiago Matías, Luinny Corporán, and Dotol Nastra. In traditional media, established figures such as Jochy Santos, Milagros Germán, and Pamela Sued continue to dominate the television presenter categories.
Music categories:
Merenguero of the Year: Eddy Herrera, Miriam Cruz, Manny Cruz, Los Hermanos Rosario, Sergio Vargas.
Urban Artist of the Year: Don Miguelo, Yailin, La Perversa, La Insuperable, Shadow Blow.
Album of the Year: Infinito positivo (Los Hermanos Rosario), Puñito de Yocahú (Vicente García), Colección de amor (MarteOvenuS), A la manera mía (Fernando Villalona).
Bachatero of the Year: El Chaval, Luis Miguel del Amargue, Luis Vargas, Raulín Rodríguez, Joe Veras.
Film categories
Best drama: La Grande, Pérez Rodríguez, Capitán Avispa, Las Pequeñas Cosas, Boca Chica.
Best ddrector: Tito Rodríguez, Yasser Michelen, Humberto Tavarez, Leticia Tonos, Gabriella Moses.
Actor of the Year: Héctor Aníbal, Shalim Ortiz, Jalsen Santana, Pepe Sierra, Luis José Germán.
Actress of the Year: Lumy Lizardo, Stephanie Liriano, Clarissa Molina, Sarah Jorge, Mariela Pichardo.
Communication categories:
TV presenter (Male): Jochy Santos, Brea Frank, Iván Ruiz.
TV presenter (Female): Jatnna Tavárez, Luz García, Pamela Sued, Jenny Blanco, Milagros Germán.
YouTuber of the Year: Santiago Matías, Yubelkis Peralta, Dotol Nastra, Nany Flow, Luinny Corporán.
Classical and stage arts
Theater actor: Francis Cruz, Orestes Amador, Carlos Espinal, Vicente Santos, Irving Alberti.
Theater actress: Elvira Taveras, Gracielina Olivero, Hony Estrella, Xiomara Rodríguez, Judith Rodríguez.
Musical of the year:
Mamma Mia, Matilda, Divorciados, Dominus Land, Querido Evan Hansen.
Listin Diario reports of the complaints by several leading artists who were not nominated this year. One of these, Alex Bueno finds it strange that he was nominated to the Latin Grammys but was not mentioned for an award in the 2026 Soberano Awards.
The 41st edition of the awards will be produced by César Suárez Jr. and hosted by Irving Alberti and Georgina Duluc. The ceremony will be broadcast nationally and internationally via Univisión and the ViX platform.
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N Digital
Listin Diario
4 February 2026