Honoring Legacy,

Inspiring Generations.

Since its inception, cinema has stood as one of humanity’s most powerful cultural legacies — an art form that transcends borders, preserves collective memory, and shapes how societies see themselves and each other.
In the Emirates, a nation built on vision, unity, and progress, honoring those who have advanced this art is not only a tribute to their achievements but also a celebration of the universal language of storytelling.

The Emirates Academy Order of Cinematic Merit was established to recognize and honor extraordinary individuals — from the Emirates, the Arab world, and across the globe — whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on the history and evolution of cinema.
Drawing inspiration from the nation’s enduring traditions of respect and excellence, the Order embodies the values of vision, innovation, and cultural dialogue that define the spirit of the Emirates.

Each distinction within the Order celebrates a different dimension of cinematic impact — from transformative artistic vision to excellence in advancing the craft, to the inspiration of future generations.
Recipients of the Order join a distinguished lineage of storytellers, artists, and innovators who have illuminated the screen, expanded our imaginations, and strengthened cinema’s role as a bridge between cultures.

In honoring these exceptional figures, the Emirates Academy Awards not only preserves the legacy of those who came before but also inspires the storytellers of tomorrow — affirming that the power of cinema lies in its ability to connect us all through the shared language of stories.