Cuban Actress Paula Alí Awarded National Television Prize for Lifetime Achievement

The honor recognizes her six-decade career across theater, film, and television. The selection, led by a jury including José Ramón Artigas Vázquez and Miguel Lino Patterson Meriño, cited her extensive body of work, professional versatility, and public impact.

A Career Spanning Six Decades

Born on January 26, 1938, in Candelaria, Pinar del Río, Paula Alí began her professional journey in 1959 as a television model. By 1965, she had joined the Teatro Martí, immersing herself in the traditional vernacular theater and "bufo" genre.

Impact on Cuban Television and Cinema

Alí’s filmography and television credits represent a significant portion of Cuban media history. Her television career includes performances in soap operas such as Enamorada del mar (1989), Las huérfanas de la Obrapía (1999), La otra esquina (2014), and more recent productions like Los hijos de Pandora (2022). Beyond drama, she gained popularity for her comedic work in programs like Punto G, which was recognized as the most popular program in 2005.

Her film contributions are extensive, featuring collaborations with directors such as Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío. Notable film credits include:

• Cartas del Parque
• Guantanamera
• Lista de espera
• Nada (which earned her the Best Actress award at the Festival de Cartagena de India in 2003)
• Miel para Ochún

Legacy in Theater

While her television presence brought her national fame, Alí’s roots remain in the theater. In 1970, she joined the Teatro Estudio, an ensemble she has remained affiliated with until the present. Her stage repertoire includes classical and contemporary works, such as La casa de Bernarda Alba, Aire frío, and Santa Camila de La Habana Vieja. In recent years, she has collaborated with the El Público theater group, including a lead performance in La Celestina, directed by Carlos Díaz.

Key Awards and Recognition

The 2026 National Television Prize adds to a long list of accolades Alí has accumulated throughout her career. Her previous honors demonstrate her sustained excellence across different performance mediums:

• Premio Segismundo (1990): Awarded for her performance in Una mujer sola.
• Premio UNEAC (1990): Awarded for Una mujer sola.
• Premio Caracol (1994): Awarded for El año que viene.
• Artista de Mérito de la Radio y la Televisión (2012): Recognition by the Cuban Radio and Television sector.
• Premio Pequeña Pantalla (2021): A major industry acknowledgment for her television contributions.

As she continues her work at 88, Alí remains an inspiration to younger generations of Cuban performers. Her career reflects the evolution of the Cuban entertainment industry from the mid-20th century to the present, maintaining a reputation for professional dedication and emotional connection with audiences.