After evaluating 280 of the 512 music videos released, more than 145 were nominated in the 30 categories for the 2025 Lucas Awards, which will be presented on November 22 and 23 at the Karl Marx Theater.
As announced this Tuesday at a gala that brought together many leading figures and filmmakers at the Cabaret Tropicana, the jury's intensive days of analysis allowed them to select the nominees in each category and specialty. They are thus the first step toward recognition for their dedication and rigor, the backbone of a creative endeavor that today strives for greater reach and just growth.
The reviewers of the submitted works have extensive experience in both cultural criticism and their experience in reviewing the works from their usual platforms; among them are journalists Joel del Río, Yuris Nórido, and Lied Lorain; filmmakers Michel Pascual and Zenia Veigas; and musicologist Lea Cárdenas.
This was a good opportunity for some of the nominated artists to perform their songs: Gabi Herrera with "Estoy Aquí"—very popular as the theme song for the soap opera "Sábados de Gloria"—Melanie Santiler with "Ven" and "Un momentico más"; as well as Fabicile with Waldo Mendoza and the hit "Labios Rojos," one of the musical offerings on the soundtrack of the current fiction series "Regreso al Corazón."
Also taking the stage was Wampi, the young reggaeton artist who transcends the boundaries of the urban genre, with his song "Rica y to," nominated in four categories and also nominated for the award for Most Popular Video of the Year.
In an exclusive interview with the Cuban News Agency, the artist commented that he is very grateful for his nominations, an achievement he owes to the team that always supports him in defending a type of music that was initially seen as marginal, and that, little by little, has managed to shape the current musical landscape.
"Deciphering Lucas," the slogan accompanying this year's communications campaign, represents one of the current core values of the Lucas Project—now approaching its thirtieth anniversary—with a perennial commitment to reinventing itself to grow and reach a larger following, while also proposing new ways to reach its people, taking into account the demands of the current times.
Daily comments show how far the project's discursive path continues to attract followers across marked age, cultural, and geographic boundaries.
Photos by Luis Jiménez
With information from the Cuban News Agency (ACN)
