The Sophia Awards are the Portuguese cinematographic and film awards, assigned annually, which aim to recognize the best national productions. Its name was chosen in honor of the Portuguese poet and writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen and also because "Sophia" is a classic Greek name which means "wisdom" .[1]
History
The awards were instituted in 2012, a year after the creation of the Portuguese Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The president, Paulo Trancoso, said that the main idea was to create a form of recognizing and congratulate the excellence in cinema in the country having in mind other annual awards in Europe like the Goya Awards in Spain or the César Awards in France.[1]
The Sophia Awards are awarded in 22 categories, with a maximum of four candidates for each.
As of 2021:
Best Film
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Documentary Feature
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction
Best Characterization/Special Effects
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Series/Television film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Trailer
Best Poster
The following are also assigned:
Sophia Art and Technique Award
Sophia Career Award
Sophia Student Award
The Sophia Student Award stands out as it gets awarded after a submission and selection phase. The main goal is to encourage future cineasts and their education institutions to share their work.[5]
