The Czech Film and Television Academy (ČFTA) has opened voting for the 2026 Czech Lion Awards, launching the annual selection process that will determine nominations in 24 statutory categories awarding the top Czech films of 2025. A total of 94 films, documentaries, animated titles, shorts, and television projects are in contention this year, reflecting a wide cross-section of recent Czech audiovisual production.
Alongside the start of voting, organizers have confirmed two major changes for the 33rd edition: the awards ceremony will relocate to Prague Congress Centre, and stand-up comedian and screenwriter Bianca Cristovao will make her debut as host. The event will take place on March 14, 2026, broadcast live on ČT1.
The Czech Lions, established in 1993, remain the country’s highest-profile film honors and Czechia’s version of the Academy Awards, with winners chosen by the ČFTA’s 435 members. Nomination announcements are scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026, live on ČT24.
New venue and creative direction
The upcoming ceremony marks the first time the Czech Lions will be staged at Prague Congress Centre, a shift from the long-established setting of Rudolfinum. According to academy president Ivo Mathé, the larger hall and expanded technical capacity will allow for a more flexible production design and broader audience layout. Prague Congress Centre is frequently used by production crews as a filming location, and most recently accommodated a shoot for Resident Evil.
Director and producer Matěj Chlupáček will return as creative supervisor, working alongside scenographer Henrich Boráros and broadcast director Michael Čech. Chlupáček described the move to a new space, combined with the introduction of a new host, as an opportunity to build on last year’s efforts to bring “new energy” to the show. Visual design for the 2026 edition is being developed by Jana Krchová.
Cristovao, who works primarily in the United States, said the invitation to host the Czech Lions came as a surprise. She noted that the creative team’s plans suggested the ceremony would include several unexpected elements. Her selection reflects the organizers’ stated aim of highlighting both prominent and lesser-known figures across the Czech film landscape.
Major partners will once again support the ceremony. Magnesia, the general partner, will continue its sponsorship of the Magnesia Award for best student film. The 15th edition of the student competition remains a significant platform for emerging directors.
Innogy, a long-time partner of Czech cinema, will maintain its role as principal partner, citing its ongoing investment in local film production. Czech Television, the primary media partner, will provide the live broadcast and continue its involvement as one of the country’s key film coproducers.
Competing titles and categories
Academy members are evaluating 94 eligible works released in the past year. These include 38 feature films ranging from dramas to comedies and genre titles. The field also encompasses 15 documentaries selected from a broader pool of 36 submissions, and 15 animated or puppetry films. Franz, Broken Voices, and Caravan are among the titles expected to receive the most nominations.
In addition to theatrical titles, the Czech Lions recognize television production. Fourteen series and miniseries submitted by broadcasters and producers will compete in categories dedicated to serial work. The lineup includes crime series, family dramas, comedies, and returning titles such as Král Šumavy 2 and Oktopus II. Twelve short films chosen by a pre-selection committee complete the slate.
The awards maintain 24 statutory categories, including best feature film, directing, screenplay, cinematography, editing, sound, production design, costumes, makeup, and performance awards for both film and series. The academy may also grant special honors for outstanding contribution to Czech cinema or exceptional achievements in audiovisual arts.
The Czech Lions continue to serve as a barometer of the local industry, reflecting trends across theatrical production, documentary filmmaking, animation, and serialized storytelling. With a new venue, a first-time host, and a broad slate of contenders, the 2026 ceremony is positioned to highlight a particularly diverse year in Czech film and television.
Lead photo: Bianca Cristovao © Christopher Swainston / Czech Lion statuette
