SAN PEDRO CHOLULA, MEXICO — San Pedro Cholula became a gathering point for international cinema and Mexican culture on August 8, as the World Class Film Awards 2026 welcomed filmmakers, actors, producers, artists and cultural figures from around the world to Teatro Cholula Ciudad Sagrada.
The ceremony brought together honorees and guests representing a broad range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds, including the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Nigeria and Mexico, creating a global exchange of stories, careers and creative perspectives in one of Puebla’s most historic cities.
Hosted by Rocío Plasencia and Mexican wrestler Xelhua, the evening centered on the presentation of the World Class Film Awards, recognizing distinguished careers across cinema, television, visual arts and independent production.
This year’s honorees included Nicole A. Ashley, Lynn Santer, Liz Macías, John Montoya, Dean Vegas, Arlette Wembe, Sophia Romma, Bruno Llanes, Miguel Raymond, Jaya George, Thomas Whiteley, Dolapo Erinkitola, Vicentini Gomez, Brandon Glover, Kimber Leigh, Abhishek Mishrra, Cecy Rendón, Jordan Nancarrow, Le’Roy Kester, Eric Hamilton, Lois Banks and Mark Niedelson.
Mexican cinema had a significant presence through acclaimed actor and producer Humberto Busto, one of the evening’s major guests of honor. Known for projects including Amores Perros, El Chapo, Diablero and Oso Polar, Busto attended the celebration ahead of another major international moment in his career. Tijuana, todavía, the film he stars in and produces, is set to have its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival after being developed through Biennale College Cinema.
The gala also highlighted Mexican figures whose work contributes to the international visibility of the country’s culture and creative identity. Special guests included Mexican actor and entertainer Freddy Ortega, major digital creators Fer Carnal and Magdalena Bembenek, and entrepreneur Anabel Bello Cortés, recognized for their influence in projecting Mexican culture, identity and creative vision to audiences around the world.
Serving as Cultural Ambassador, Rafael Moreno Valle Buitrón played a central role throughout the event, helping reinforce the connection between the visiting international film community, Puebla and Mexico.
The ceremony also welcomed the participation of international icon Priscilla Presley, who joined the celebration through a special video message presented as part of her recognition.
Puebla’s public leadership was another important component of the evening. The event recognized figures whose work has contributed to the state’s cultural, artistic and global projection, beginning with Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier, alongside Carla López-Malo Villalón, Víctor Gerardo Gabriel Chedraui and Natalie Hoyos López.
The World Class Film Awards also received the support of San Pedro Cholula Mayor Tonantzin Fernández and her team, strengthening the relationship between the event, its host city and Puebla’s cultural community.
Beyond the presentations and recognitions, the program incorporated both international entertainment and Mexican tradition. Australian performer Dean Vegas delivered a live Elvis tribute, while a traditional pre-Hispanic dance presentation brought Cholula’s cultural heritage directly to the stage.
The 2026 edition was made possible with the support of Dr. Porfirio Ramírez Mendoza, Rafa Piccard Agency, Natura Glow, Luna de Plata Mezcal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Hamo, Cien Fuegos, Casa Juárez, Casa Mexica and HP Publicidad, together with institutional representatives and local collaborators.
Under the leadership of World Class Film Awards directors Sara Plasencia and Rodrigo Rayón, the ceremony reflected the organization’s broader mission of connecting creative voices from different parts of the world while building lasting relationships between filmmakers and the communities that receive them.
The result was an evening in which San Pedro Cholula served not simply as the setting for an awards ceremony, but as a bridge between international filmmaking, Mexican identity and Puebla’s cultural life.
For one night, filmmakers and cultural figures from different countries shared the same stage, turning the historic city into a space for recognition, collaboration and global creative exchange.
The World Class Film Awards is FilmmakerLife’s annual celebration honoring distinguished figures whose exceptional contributions are shaping the global landscape of film, art, and culture.
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