The versatile actor whose name is inextricably linked to the history of the big screen in Cuba, Jorge Perugorría, who plays the always thrilling Diego in Strawberry and Chocolate, was awarded this weekend the National Film Award 2024, in the context of the Fiesta for Cuban Cinema.
After the news was made public, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, posted on his X account: "Congratulations to the respected and beloved Jorge Perugorría for the well-deserved National Film Award. His name and his work are synonymous with Cuban cinema".
The jury, chaired by Miguel Barnet, and composed of Magaly Pompa, Lourdes de los Santos, Eslinda Núñez and Héctor Veitía, unanimously decided to distinguish Perugorría, due to his national and international work, the multiple nominations and awards in all latitudes, as well as his concern and contribution to the development of national culture, of which - it was said - he is an indisputable defender.
According to information published on social networks by the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Arts and Industries (Icaic), among the arguments with which the jury backed its decision are that the actor "is one of the most visible faces of his generation and has set a standard in the interpretation of the most diverse characters he has faced."
Perugorría's efforts in pursuit of national cinematography, through his work in the Gibara and Isla Verde film festivals, were also referenced.
"He is a multifaceted artist and embodies the deepest values of the national identity," it was stated.
On the occasion, the jury pondered the value of the 20 nominees by about 60 cultural institutions, organizations of creators legally registered in the register of associations and personalities who have received the award before. For the first time, the complete nomination was made public.
Among the names with the most nominations were Perugorría himself, Mirtha Ibarra, Adela Legrá, Isabel Santos, Mario Rivas and Santiago Llapur.
The National Film Award ceremony took place this Sunday afternoon at the Yara cinema in the capital, as part of the special gala for Icaic's 65th anniversary, which also included a concert by the Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory Symphony Orchestra.
