Celebrating Cultural Resilience
Red Carpet: 7:00 pm
Doors Open: 8:00 pm
Ceremony: 8:30 pm
Followed by a cocktail reception
Broadcast live on Télé-Liban
Hosted by Zeina Daccache and Talal el
Jurdi
An evening
celebrating Lebanese theatre through live performances, special tributes and
the presentation of the Monnot Awards trophy, created by renowned Lebanese
artist Katya Traboulsi.
Against all
odds, and despite the ongoing conflict that has deeply affected Lebanon,
Théâtre Le Monnot has refused to let its lights go out. Throughout months of
uncertainty, the theatre has kept its doors open, continued to welcome
audiences, and remained committed to artistic excellence.
This resilience
has been made possible by dedicated artists, loyal staff, courageous partners
and a community that believes culture is not a luxury, but a necessity.
In recognition
of this extraordinary journey, Théâtre Le Monnot is proud to present the first edition of the Monnot Awards, a prestigious annual ceremony celebrating
excellence in Lebanese theatre and honouring the artists and theatre
professionals who continue to create, inspire and bring people together through
the performing arts.
Held by
invitation only and broadcast live on Télé-Liban, the ceremony will celebrate the productions and
theatre professionals who have kept culture alive despite adversity.
Recognised
internationally by media including ARTE,
TV5 Monde, France Info, Radio-Canada, El Mundo, as well as numerous Lebanese and Arab media
outlets, Théâtre Le Monnot has become a symbol of cultural resilience and hope.
An Independent Jury
The winners have been selected by an
independent jury composed of respected Lebanese theatre professionals.
Jury (in alphabetical order)
·
Sawsan Awwad
·
Rabih Chami
·
Walid Dakroub — President of the Jury
·
Rosette Fadel
·
Fady Jeanbart
·
Sarmad Louis
·
Mirana Naim
·
Mayssa Hanouni Yaafoury
The 2025–2026 Monnot Awards
A total of 32 productions presented at Théâtre Le Monnot between September
2025 and July 2026 were
eligible for this year’s awards and carefully evaluated by the jury.
The Monnot Awards will honour excellence
across 15 award categories:
1.
Best Play
2.
Best Directing
3.
Best Original Text
4.
Best Adaptation
5.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
6.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
7.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
8.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
9.
Revelation of the Year
10.
Best Scenography
11.
Best Costume Design
12.
Best Lighting Design
13.
Best Sound Design or Original Music
14.
Jury’s Youth Award
15.
Honorary Monnot Award for an Exceptional Career
More Than a Trophy. A Portrait of Theatre.
Created by
Lebanese artist Katya Traboulsi,
the Monnot Awards trophy tells the story of theatre itself.
At first glance,
it appears to be a single sculpture. Look closer and you will discover many
faces, many stories and many lives woven together.
Just like a
play.
A theatre
production is never the work of one person. It is born from the talent of
writers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, musicians, and from the audience that brings it to life.
Its open spaces
remind us that theatre always leaves room for imagination, while the flowers
growing from its base symbolise creativity that continues to bloom, even
through the most difficult times.
At its heart, a
watchful eye reminds us of theatre’s greatest purpose: to help us see ourselves and the world a little
differently.
Because great
theatre doesn’t simply entertain. It
changes the way we look at life.
A New Tradition for Lebanese Theatre
The Monnot
Awards mark the beginning of what Théâtre Le Monnot intends to become an annual
celebration of Lebanese theatre. Beyond recognising outstanding achievements
each season, the Awards aim to honour the creativity, dedication and resilience
of the country’s theatre community, while encouraging artistic excellence and
inspiring future generations of theatre-makers.
The first
edition carries particular significance. In a year marked by conflict and
uncertainty, it stands as a powerful affirmation that culture endures, that
artists continue to create, and that theatre remains one of the strongest
expressions of hope, dialogue and humanity.
For one evening,
Lebanon’s theatre community will gather not only to celebrate excellence, but
also to affirm a shared belief: that even in the darkest of times, art
continues to illuminate the future.
The winner’s entrance music was specially composed by Lebanese Singer, Songwriter and Music
producer Anthony Touma.
