From News Desk
The MUSES Film Awards returns to Greece in 2026; and is honouring acclaimed director Yannis Smaragdis for his lifetime contributions to cinema.
The MUSES Film Awards – Levadia International Film Festival (LIFF) announces the return of its internationally acclaimed film festival & awards ceremony to be held during May 7th–10th, 2026 in Levadia, Greece. Following the success of 2025, which showcased 155 films and introduced one of the world’s first AI Film Award categories, the 2026 edition will expand its artistic programming, masterclasses, cultural experiences and global collaborations.
As part of the 2026 programme, the MUSES Film Awards is honoured to announce that Director Yannis Smaragdis will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to cinema and his longstanding work illuminating Hellenic history for global audiences.
This announcement was first made during the New York premiere of The Governor (Kapodistrias) on November 29th, 2025, held at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NYC, organisers included, The Hellenic Film Society USA, The Ionian Cultural Federation of America, The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, among others. Notable guests from Greece, the Greek community and the US included; Director Yannis Smaragdis, Lina Mendoni – Greece’s Minister of Culture, Natalia Kapodistria – actress and great-great grandniece of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Minos Matsas – the composer of the film’s score, Loula Loi Alafoyiannis – President and Founder of Euro-American Women’s Council and Daisy Gallagher, US Business Leader, International Strategic Consultant and Global Ambassador-at-Large for the MUSES Film Awards.
Daisy Gallagher presented Director Smaragdis with a formal proclamation on behalf of Founder & President Demetrios Katis, naming Director Smaragdis VIP Honoree and the official Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the upcoming 2026 Muses Film Awards ceremony. The proclamation prepared by Demetrios Katis, celebrated Smaragdis’ artistic vision and his lifelong dedication to portraying Greek history with authenticity, depth and international resonance. Gallagher also honoured Smaragdis’ achievements, the film’s excellence and the cultural significance of The Governor. Her remarks highlighted the connection between Greece and the Greek-American community in New York, the film’s historical global impact; and the director’s profound perseverance in bringing the life of Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias to the screen.
“It is a privilege for the MUSES Film Awards to honour Yannis Smaragdis for his lifelong contribution to cinema. Our Global Ambassador-at-Large, Daisy Gallagher, represented the Festival in New York and delivered the official proclamation on behalf of the Muses Film Awards & Festival and in my capacity as Founder & President. Mr Smaragdis has shaped generations of filmmakers through his artistic vision and unwavering dedication to Hellenic culture. Recognising him on an international stage reflects our commitment to celebrating creators whose work transcends borders and time,” stated Katis. “We look forward to welcoming him in Greece this May, where he will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MUSES Film Awards. His presence at our 2026 edition will be a moment of inspiration for our global community of artists, scholars and cultural leaders. Moments like this reinforce the bond between Greece and the United States, highlighting how cinema continues to unite our two nations through storytelling, heritage and artistic excellence.”
Muses Film Awards & Festival 2026 will feature
Expanded international film categories
Masterclasses and industry panels with global experts
Cultural tours and artistic immersion in historic Levadia
The return of the pioneering AI Film Award
Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway. Festival Dates – May 7–10, 2026
Location – Levadia, Greece
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