Salerno is preparing to become the cultural hub of September 2026 with the thirty-eighth edition of the Charlot Prize, a historic event that will take place from September 20th to 26th in three of the city's main theaters: the Teatro Delle Arti, the Teatro Augusteo, and the Teatro Verdi.
The event, presented on September 7th in the Council Chamber of the City of Salerno, promises a rich and diverse program, ranging from cabaret to singer-songwriter music, including cinema and theater.
Among the key guests are Roberto Vecchioni, who will offer a memorable concert, James Franco, Hollywood actor and director awarded the International Charlot Cinema Award, and Michele Placido, who will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event also introduces a significant innovation with the collaboration of the Automobile Club Salerno, which will award a special prize during the evenings.
The festival will open with the Charlot Monello section, dedicated to families, with the show “Rapunzel, butta giù il condizolo” by the Compagnia dell'Arte, led by Cinzia Ugatti.
Cabaret will take center stage at the Teatro Delle Arti from September 22nd to 23rd with the semifinal and final of the Charlot Giovani section, which will feature new talents alongside well-known guests, as well as a workshop dedicated to comic perception.
The Teatro Augusteo will host the international evening on September 24th, with the award ceremony for James Franco and the performance of "Anni 90" by Massimiliano Gallo. The festival will close at the Teatro Verdi with a concert by Vecchioni on September 25th and the Charlot Galà Smile on the 26th, a grand finale featuring top names such as Gabriele Cirilli, Manuela Arcuri, Anna Foglietta, and Claudia Gerini, along with special awards and choreographic performances.
All evenings will be free, but reservations are required starting September 12th via Eventbrite. The organizers have established specific rules for admission, with tickets valid up to 45 minutes before the start of the show and support available via WhatsApp.
The Charlot Award, with 38 editions under its belt, confirms its role as a cultural event of national importance, capable of combining entertainment, talent, and community in a seven-day calendar full of emotions and surprises.
