Marcos Guimarães unveils the legacy behind Brazil’s Humor Awards

Creative director Marcos Guimarães highlights the pioneering spirit and visual legacy of the Humor Awards, returning in its 9th edition with a commedia dell’arte theme.

Created by Fábio Porchat, the Humor Awards celebrates its 9th edition in 2026 with two ceremonies: March 16 at Teatro TotalEnergies (Rio de Janeiro) and March 30 at BTG Pactual Hall (São Paulo). The event has become Brazil’s main comedy celebration, with 400 nominees, 75 winners, and 16 honorees to date.

Award born from a historical gap

For Guimarães, who designs the ceremony’s visual identity, the prize filled a historical gap in honoring Brazilian comedians. “While comedy is one of the most popular forms of theater, major awards historically favored dramatic productions,” he says.

Over the years, it has honored legends such as Chico Anysio, Renato Aragão, Agildo Ribeiro, and Lúcio Mauro, who received his award at home in 2017 while recovering from illness. This year, Fafy Siqueira and Marco Nanini will be celebrated in São Paulo and Rio respectively.

2026 theme: commedia dell’arte

The 2026 edition is inspired by commedia dell’arte, the Italian theatrical form that laid the foundations for modern comedy and inspired Shakespeare, Martins Pena, and even Brazil’s traditional carnival archetypes — Pierrot, Harlequin, and Columbina. “That’s where comedy as we know it began,” says Guimarães.

Creative process and visual design

He emphasizes the challenge of designing a short, powerful ceremony. With under 75 minutes to tell a story, each visual decision must deliver high impact and clarity. “We learned what works and what doesn’t through experience,” he adds.

The trophy embodies this vision: five translucent plates form the prize’s symbol, while honoree trophies gain customized shapes inspired by the recipients.

Photo: Moisés Pazianotto