The 41st edition of the Soberano Awards concluded on the night of 18 March 2026 at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, crowning veteran broadcaster Jochy Santos with the Gran Soberano, the highest honor in Dominican arts. The ceremony, organized by the Association of Art Writers (Acroarte) and produced by César Suárez Jr., highlighted a mix of legendary figures and emerging talents across more than 50 categories. This year the show hosts were Georgina Duluc and Irving Alberti.
Jochy Santos, a staple of Dominican radio and television for decades, received the Gran Soberano in a year that coincides with the 30th anniversary of his radio program. Upon receiving the statuette from Acroarte president Marivell Contreras, Santos called for a commitment to “elevate the level of communication” in the country.
Key Winners in Music and Entertainment
• Merenguero of the Year: Héctor Acosta “El Torito,” who also secured Merengue of the Year for his hit “Se puede” (composed by Nelson de la Olla).
• Album of the Year: Los Hermanos Rosario for their production Infinito positivo.
• Bachatero of the Year: El Chaval de la Bachata.
• Salsero of the Year: Yiyo Sarante.
• Urban Artist/Group: Shadow Blow.
• Revelation of the Year: Bachatero Dalvin La Melodía, known for “Mi reina.”
• Merenguero Urbano: Omega “El Fuerte.”
In the communication field, El Show del Mediodía was honored as the Daily Entertainment Program, while Santiago Matías (Alofoke) won Youtuber of the Year and the Soberano del Público, determined by popular vote.
Cinema and theater highlights
The film A tiro limpio, directed by Jean Guerra, won Drama of the Year, while Medias hermanas took home the award for Comedy of the Year. In the acting categories, Manuel Raposo was named Best Actor for Bachata de Biónico, and Yelidá Diaz won Best Actress for Sugar Island.
The theater segment featured a powerful moment when Sabrina Gómez, winner of Best Theater Actress for La monstrua, dedicated her award to Julia Pastrana. The play La verdad, produced by José Ramón Alama, was named Best Play.
Special Recognitions Several honorary awards were presented to recognize lifelong contributions to Dominican culture:
• Soberano al Mérito: José Antonio Rodríguez.
• Soberano Especial: Folklorist Dagoberto Tejeda.
• Award for Performing Arts: Carlota Carretero, honoring over 40 years of theatrical career.
• International Soberano: Colombian singer Fonseca, who also performed during the gala.
The event featured musical segments by Milly Quezada, Elvis Crespo, and Pavel Núñez, maintaining the “detail-packed” tradition of the awards as the definitive reference for the Dominican entertainment industry.
Read more:
DR1 News
DR1 News
CDN
19 March 2026