Queen Sofía of Spain once again took center stage in international cultural life as she presided over one of the most significant events linking the Spanish-speaking world and the United States, held in Miami. The monarch traveled specifically to lead the presentation of the Sophia Awards for Excellence, organized by the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute and held at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The evening once again underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
In its 2026 edition, the awards honored two couples whose work has left a lasting impact across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean: real estate developer and art collector Jorge M. Pérez and Darlene Pérez, as well as Dominican business leaders Frank Rainieri and Haydée Rainieri.
© ¡HOLA!With more than 350 guests, including cultural leaders, philanthropists, and public figures, the gala cemented its place as a standout event on the international calendar, in a city that uniquely embodies the convergence of identities and traditions.
© ¡HOLA!Organized by the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, the Sophia Awards for Excellence (formerly known as the Gold Medal) have recognized figures such as Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger, Plácido Domingo, Penélope Cruz, Carolina Herrera, Mario Vargas Llosa, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Carlos Slim, José Andrés, and Gustavo Dudamel. This track record reflects the award’s reach and prestige. As its president, Pilar Lladó, summarized, “The awards granted by QSSI are not merely honorary recognitions. They are a way of honoring those who have dedicated their talent, creativity, and leadership to building bridges.”
© ¡HOLA!The Sophia Awards highlight careers that foster dialogue and philanthropy
© ¡HOLA!In that spirit, this year’s honorees embody a vision of success tied to social and cultural impact. Jorge M. Pérez, one of the most influential figures in South Florida’s urban development, emphasized art as a tool for connection and dialogue, “It is a true honor to receive this recognition from the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, especially in a city like Miami, where diverse cultures come together to shape a vibrant global community. For Darlene and me, art has always been deeply personal, but its greatest impact lies in being shared, bringing people together and fostering dialogue.” He continued, “We are proud to support greater visibility for Latin American artists in Europe and for contemporary Spanish art in the United States, and we are deeply grateful to be part of a global community that values cultural exchange.”
For her part, Darlene Pérez has led initiatives in health, education, and culture for more than 3 decades, building a sustained, far-reaching philanthropic legacy within the community.
© ¡HOLA!The other honorees, the Rainieris, have developed a model for tourism growth in the Dominican Republic that integrates sustainability, business vision, and social commitment. Frank Rainieri highlighted the significance of receiving the recognition from the monarch, “For us, receiving this recognition from Her Majesty Queen Sofía is a great honor. She has been a symbol of dignity, respect, and serenity, a woman who embodies values and has always been committed to culture and service to her country. It is a validation of our trajectory that we deeply appreciate.”
America&Spain 250: An initiative to highlight Hispanic heritage in the U.S.
Beyond the awards themselves, the gala also marked the launch of a historic commemoration: the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. In that context, the Institute introduced the America&Spain250 initiative in Florida, aimed at highlighting Spain’s and the Spanish-speaking world’s role in the nation’s founding.
© ¡HOLA!“One of the main goals is to raise awareness among today’s Hispanic communities of their fundamental role in the birth of the United States,” explained Begoña Santos, president and CEO of the Institute.
The project also seeks to recognize “the essential contributions of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world to the American Revolution and to the development of the United States,” reinforcing a historical narrative that has long remained in the background.
© ¡HOLA!Support from the Queen Sofía Foundation, formalized through an agreement signed in 2024, further strengthens the monarch’s longstanding commitment to cultural outreach and to deepening ties between the two countries.
The event’s institutional significance was also reflected in an official proclamation issued by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, declaring March 21, 2026, as “Queen Sofía Spanish Institute Day,” in recognition of its work promoting cultural understanding.
© ¡HOLA!In the Institute’s own words, the initiative also aims “to inform today’s Hispanic communities of the essential role their ancestors played in the founding of the country.”
A cultural bridge with a forward-looking vision
In a setting defined by diversity and intercultural dialogue, Queen Sofía’s presence in Miami not only reaffirmed the value of culture as a diplomatic tool but also highlighted the relevance of a shared history that continues to shape the future.
© ¡HOLA!
© ¡HOLA!More than an awards ceremony, the gala established itself as a meeting point where art, memory, and a forward-looking vision converge, continuing to build bridges between Spain and the United States.
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