On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the National Theatre in Kampala became a meeting place for young talent, professional filmmakers, teachers, parents, cultural institutions and supporters of Ugandan cinema. The Pearlwood Film Awards 2026, celebrated under the theme “The Rising Pearl: Igniting the Next Generation of African Storytellers,” honoured not only the performances on screen but also the communities that made those stories possible.
The Gala was the culmination of a school-centred filmmaking journey that encouraged learners to tell stories, work alongside experienced practitioners and share their films with real audiences. It also reinforced a wider ambition: to develop a film culture in which Ugandans watch, appreciate and pay for original local productions.
A Best Actress victory that became a family story
Among the evening’s most memorable moments was the announcement of Tatiana Ursula as Best Actress. While her achievement was being celebrated at the National Theatre, the young performer was attending to another important milestone: her O-Level final examinations.
Rather than allow her absence to diminish the occasion, her parents stood in to receive the honour on her behalf. The stage moment brought together family, educators and invited guests, including Mr. Obi Moses, Ms. Kimela of Trinity College and Mr. Kenneth Otim. Their presence illustrated a powerful principle: when families and schools encourage young people’s creative interests while protecting their education, talent has a stronger foundation on which to grow.
For Pearlwood, the moment captured what the Awards are meant to achieve. Young people should not have to choose between learning and creative ambition. With thoughtful guidance, filmmaking can strengthen confidence, collaboration, communication and a sense of possibility.
Pearlwood Film Awards 2026: Full list of winners
The official results recognise school-based performers, film productions, participating professionals and organisations whose contributions helped advance the programme.
| Award category | 2026 winner |
|---|---|
| Best Screenplay (Movie of the Year) | Am Sorry Mama |
| Best Actress | Tatiana Ursula |
| Best Actor | Mwesiga Emmanuel |
| Lifetime Achiever’s Award | Nabwana Isaac |
| Best Director | Muyanja Bashir |
| Best Supporting Actress | Ainomugisha Gloria |
| Best Supporting Actor | Rwakabukoza Collins |
| Best Editor | Mwanguya Lauren Ssesimba |
| Best Professional Supporting Actor | Ssegujja Hamis |
| Best Professional Supporting Actress | Ruth Kurt Abwalo |
| Best Cameo Actress | Kabahweza Maria Nsemere |
| Best Cameo Actor | Ayepa Reagan |
| Best Supporting Government Agency | Uganda National Cultural Centre |
| Short Film of the Year | The Threat Note |
| Best Screenplay (Primary School) | Step Mum |
Nyakasura School leads the school accolades
Schools were not simply represented in the audience; they were central to the competition. Nyakasura School led the school accolades with five awards, while Crane High School received two. Other participating schools earned individual awards, demonstrating how filmmaking can become a meaningful extension of classroom learning, school culture and student expression.
| Participating school | Awards won |
|---|---|
| Nyakasura School | 5 |
| Crane High School | 2 |
| St. Peter Secondary School | 1 |
| Bertha Nursery & Primary School | 1 |
| Bethany High – Naalya | 1 |
| High Way Secondary School | 1 |
| St Antonios Orthodox Monde | 1 |
| Trinity College Nabbingo | 1 |
| Kyengera Central College | — |
| St Aloysius Nabbingo | — |
Note: The supplied school-results graphic lists Kyengera Central College and St Aloysius Nabbingo without award totals. They are recognised here as participating schools; no award count is assumed.
Beyond trophies: audiences, film ownership and the Ugandan market
The Pearlwood Film Awards are designed to do more than identify exceptional acting or filmmaking. Their audience-facing approach encourages viewers to discover school-produced films, discuss their stories and support legitimate channels of distribution. Public engagement was combined with professional assessment in the 2026 programme, connecting audience appreciation with creative and technical merit.
Every film watched through an authorised platform helps establish the principle that Ugandan stories have economic value and that the rights of creators deserve respect. For students, this creates an early introduction to the full film value chain: writing, performance, directing, editing, marketing, distribution and audience development.
Thank you to the partners who made the journey possible
The success of the 2026 Awards reflects collaboration among cultural institutions, schools, industry organisations, media partners and supporters. Pearlwood acknowledges the following partners featured in the official appreciation artwork:
- Uganda National Culture Centre
- Bayimba Foundation
- Amakula Film Festival
- Uganda Federation of Movie Industry
- Stream East Films
- BF Suma
- Mediavision
- Biz IT Solutions
- St. Jovita & Joviana Community Foundation
- CineMat Publishers
- Directorate of Education Standards, Ministry of Education
- British Council
- Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
What comes next? Pearlwood 2027 goes musical
As the applause from the 2026 Gala gives way to planning for the next chapter, Pearlwood has announced the 2027 theme: “High School Musical: Reimagining Our Core Values.”
The new direction invites schools and young creators to explore values, identity and the realities of contemporary life through music-led storytelling. It offers an opportunity to connect Uganda’s long tradition of school music, dance and drama with filmmaking, giving students fresh ways to express the ideas that matter to their generation.
The message from the 2026 Awards is clear: recognition is a beginning, not the destination. Uganda’s future film industry will be built by nurturing talent early, supporting teachers and parents, connecting professionals with learners, protecting original work and growing audiences for local stories.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Best Actress at the Pearlwood Film Awards 2026?
Tatiana Ursula won Best Actress. Her parents received the award on her behalf while she was sitting her O-Level final examinations.
Which school received the most awards?
Nyakasura School led the school accolades with five awards, followed by Crane High School with two.
Where were the 2026 Awards held?
The Gala was held on 14 October 2026 at the National Theatre in Kampala, Uganda.
Where can audiences watch the participating films?
Visit Stream East Films or use its Android and iOS apps.
What is the 2027 Pearlwood theme?
High School Musical: Reimagining Our Core Values.
Read more coverage: Mediavision Academy – Celebrating Youth Talent at the Pearlwood Awards 2026.
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