L'Aquila, Italian Capital of Culture 2026, will host the 78th edition of Prix Italia, the historic international competition organized by RAI and dedicated to the best of Radio, Television, and Multimedia production, under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic.

From September 28 to October 2, the city centre will host the Festival and Rai previews screening, as well as the Competition, which annually involves over 100 broadcaster organizations from about 90 countries. This is a key event for the media sector, bringing together Italian and international directors, authors, artists, and professionals. For the first time in its history, the Prix Italia will be held in the heart of the historic centre of the Abruzzo capital city, "a symbol of rebirth and innovation", says Prix Italia Secretary General Chiara Longo Bifano, "recognized as a model of a smart city capable of representing both historical memory and contemporary transformation". The Competition, as Longo Bifano denotes, aims to "enhance the role of broadcasters in promoting art and culture, balancing creativity and technology".

The choice of L'Aquila is based on an area capable of attracting productions and major cultural events, while also offering an environment which is rich in natural locations and production expertise. Thanks to the support of the Abruzzo Region and the Film Commission, participants will be able to develop new experiences and international co-production projects.

The Competition is open to broadcasters, with registration open until June 8th in the Radio & Podcast, TV, and Digital sections. Rules and information are available on the official website www.rai.it/prixitalia. Three special prizes are also given: the Award in Honor of the President of the Italia Republic, the Signis Award, and the YLAB Award, assigned by university students from the Universities and Cultural Institutions of Abruzzo.

The president of the performing arts edition will be Corey Baker, the award-winning New Zealand director and choreographer, also known for viral works, such as Lady Gaga's "Dead Dance" choreography, launched by the "Wednesday" Netflix series, and "Swan Lake Bath Ballet", created for the BBC and winner of the Prix Italia in 2021 with the following citation: "For generations to come, this extraordinary production will represent a perfect example of how creative human beings can be, even in times of crisis".

"It's an honour to be President of the Prix Italia in a year focussing on the performing arts" says Corey Baker. "For me, that means stuff that's weird, wild, silly, indulgent, impossible and new. That's what creative people want to make and - if broadcasters will trust those creatives - they'll see that it's what audiences want too".

The Prix Italia webpage can be accessed here: https://www.rai.it/prixitalia/. For any further information, please feel free to get in touch.