Sophia Award for Excellence

The Sophia Award for Excellence is presented annually by the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute to recognize individuals or organizations that have actively contributed to the international appreciation of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, especially in the United States.

Background: Originally established in 1978 as the Gold Medal, awarded annually through 2013. The tradition was renewed in 2018 and the award was renamed the "Sophia Award for Excellence" (Sophia meaning "wisdom" in Greek).

Mission Alignment: The award aligns with QSSI's core mission to build stronger cultural ties between the Spanish-speaking world and the United States.

Recognition Criteria: Honors individuals whose work has contributed to strengthening ties between Spain, the United States, and Latin America through achievements in:

• International relations
• Science
• Business
• The arts
• Literature
• Philanthropy
• History
• Gastronomy
• Culture and education

Recent Honorees:

• 2023: Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Mari Carmen Ramírez, and Ignacio Torras
• 2022: José Andrés (Spanish chef and humanitarian)
• 2020: Carmen Iglesias (Spanish historian, first woman to direct Royal Academy of History) and Carlos Slim (Mexican businessman and philanthropist)

Award Presentation: Recipients are given Menina Award Sculptures by Spanish artist Felipao. The ceremony is typically presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain.

Geographic Scope: International, with emphasis on Spain and the Spanish-speaking world's contributions to the United States.

Contact Information:

• Address: 445 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10022
• Phone: 212.628.0420
• Email: info@queensofiasi.org