Award the 2021 National Radio and Television Prize to Manuel Porto and Danylo Sirio

October 20, 2021

The Board of Directors of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television, having heard the opinion of the Board of Directors of Cuban Television, approved the selection of actor Manuel Porto Sánchez and Television director Danylo Sirio López for the National Radio and Television Award 2021.

The National Radio and Television Award constitutes the highest recognition granted in both media in Cuba to those who deserve such distinction for the body of their life's work.

Danylo Sirio López. Photo: @DaniloSirio / Twitter

Considering October 24, 1950 as the date of the founding of Television in Cuba, on each anniversary the corresponding Annual Award for this medium is announced. To date, 98 National TV Awards have been granted.

Drawing on the pool of proposals from different areas, curricula, as well as the long trajectory and significant contributions to Cuban TV, a prestigious jury, composed for the most part of National Award winners and those with long experience in the medium, was in charge of the selection.

Manuel Porto Sánchez

His work as an actor, fundamentally in television, allowed him to win not only numerous accolades, but also the admiration and respect of the public and critics. Television series such as Por el rastro de los libertadores, Alguien me habló de los naufragios, La frontera del deber, El halcón, La séptima familia, Algo más que soñar, La semilla escondida, Cuando el agua regresa a la tierra, El tesoro del Mallorquín, El contrato and recently, in the Telenovela Vuelve a Mirar, among many others are proof of such an intense career spanning more than 50 years.

Since 1976 he has appeared in more than twenty films, among which stand out Leyenda (1981), by Rogelio París, Se permuta (1983), by Juan Carlos Tabío; Plácido (1986), by Sergio Giral; La vida en rosa (1989), by Rolando Díaz; Caravana (1990), by Rogelio París; Barrio Cuba (2005), by Humberto Solás; Omerta (2008), by Pavel Giroud, and José Martí: el ojo del canario (2010), by Fernando Pérez.

Manuel Porto, a Cuban who never thought he would be an artist

Danylo Sirio López

Television Director. He began his professional work in Cuban Television as a Master Control Operator in 1969, an activity he performed until 1973, when he became Program Director, a position he holds to the present.

Over more than 50 years of work he has simultaneously held different positions, whether as TV Program Director, Sports Broadcasting Director, and Director of Broadcasts during visits by the Comandante en Jefe (1980-2005). Similarly, he directed Special Events and First-Level Events that have taken place, both nationally and internationally.

In his work as Television Director, the production of the 9550 program stands out, the Adolfo Guzmán Contest, the Marches of the Fighting People, Open Forums, the visits of Pope John Paul II and Francis; the Gala for Peace, broadcasts of the Pan American Games and the Olympics. The General Direction of La Colmena TV, which had great impact on the public, was under his charge. Due to his dedication, effort, and participation in all the tasks assigned to him and given the results he has achieved in his work performance, he has held positions such as CHTV Channel Director, Vice President and President of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television, as well as Vice President again, the position he currently holds.

Small Screen Awards

In February 2010, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of TVC, the Small Screen Award was established as the highest recognition presented by Cuban Television. To date, 194 Small Screen Awards have been granted, 62 of which belong to Territorial TV.

It is awarded to workers with an extensive trajectory and significant contribution to television work, as well as to personalities and institutions with high prestige and broad contribution to the medium.