Students Cecília Filappi and Rodrigo Forgiarini from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufrgs) are among the finalists for the 2026 SIP Excellence in Journalism Awards, according to an announcement by the Inter American Press Association (SIP). The nominees from the university’s Faculty of Library Science and Communication (Fabico) earned their spot in the university journalism category for their investigative piece titled “Verdades sob custódia,” published in the 66th edition of Sextante magazine.
Investigative Excellence in University Journalism
The shortlisted report from the Ufrgs journalism students competed against hundreds of entries submitted across 13 distinct categories, drawing participants from across Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, and Spain. According to SIP organizers, the reporting team worked alongside professors Thaís Furtado and Gisele Reginato, who serve as the publication’s editors.
María Lorente, president of the SIP Awards Commission and regional director for Latin America at Agence France-Presse (AFP), noted the exceptional standard of this year’s pool. “The quality of the works presented was truly exceptional,” Lorente stated, adding that the jury faced a complex evaluation task due to the high level of talent, rigor, and diversity across the Americas.
Did you know? The Inter American Press Association awards program spans 13 distinct categories.
Upcoming Winners Announcement and Ceremony
The evaluation timeline moves next to the final judging phase, where members of the SIP Awards Commission will review the shortlisted pieces. According to the association, the official winners and honorable mentions will be announced publicly in August.
The formal award presentation will take place during the 82nd General Assembly of the SIP. The multi-day gathering is scheduled to be held in Bogotá, Colombia, running from October 22 to October 25, 2026. Complete rosters for all categories and finalists remain available directly on the official SIP web portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What project earned the Ufrgs students their nomination?
Students Cecília Filappi and Rodrigo Forgiarini were nominated for “Verdades sob custódia,” published in edition 66 of Sextante magazine.
When will the final winners of the 2026 SIP Awards be announced?
The SIP Awards Commission will announce the winners and honorable mentions in August.
Where will the 2026 SIP General Assembly take place?
The 82nd General Assembly and award ceremony will be held in Bogotá, Colombia, from October 22 to October 25, 2026.
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