Czech Lion Awards 2026: Caravan Crowned Best Film, Rising Stars Honored
The 33rd Czech Lion Awards ceremony, held on March 14, 2026, at the Prague Congress Centre, celebrated the best in Czech cinema, with Caravan taking home the award for Best Feature Film. The ceremony also highlighted the emergence of new talent, recognizing sixteen-year-old actress Kateřina Falbrová and twenty-nine-year-old director Katarína Gramatová.
Key Winners
- Best Feature Film: Caravan, produced by Dagmar Sedláčková and Jakub Viktorín
- Best Director: Katarína Gramatová, Heaven Above, Me in the Valley
- Best Documentary Film: Better to Go Mad in the Wild, directed by Miro Remo
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kateřina Falbrová, Choirmaster
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Idan Weiss, Franz
- Best Supporting Actress: Juliána Brutovská, Caravan
- Best Supporting Actor: Dũng Nguyễn, Summer School, 2001
- Best Screenplay: Dužan Duong, Jan Smutný, and Lukáš Kokeš, Summer School, 2001
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
The awards ceremony, hosted by Bianca Cristovao, a comedian based in the USA [1], also served as a platform for addressing significant social and political issues. Several speakers referenced the state of culture in their respective countries, with a cameraman from Slovakia noting the “catastrophic state” of culture there.
Caravan Takes Top Honors
Caravan, a film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, emerged as the most celebrated film of the evening. The film’s producers, Dagmar Sedláčková, emphasized the power of film to foster understanding, stating, “I am almost certain that the film will not change the world, but it has a great power to help us understand each other in that world.”
Rising Stars Shine
The awards also spotlighted emerging talent. Katarína Gramatová’s win for Best Director marked her directorial debut with Heaven Above, Me in the Valley. Sixteen-year-old Kateřina Falbrová was recognized for her performance in Choirmaster, demonstrating the potential of the next generation of Czech actors.
Political and Social Commentary
The ceremony wasn’t solely focused on cinematic achievements. Speeches touched upon themes of freedom of Palestine, the changing global order, and the importance of supporting new talents. Musicians Aid Kid and Pjoni used their acceptance speech to address concerns about political interference in the arts, specifically referencing the Minister of Culture. [1]
Additional Awards
- Best Animated Film: Grandma’s Tales
- Best Miniseries or Series: Studna
- Magnesia Award for the best student film: A dog and a wolf
- Best film poster: Franz – Michal Čermín
- Film Fans Award: On the plate
The 2026 Czech Lion Awards underscored the vibrancy and evolving landscape of Czech cinema, celebrating both established filmmakers and the promising voices of a new generation.