ANNOUNCING THE 2026 THEATRICAL & COMEDY HONOREE-SANDRA VALLS
WIFT TEXAS ANNOUNCES SANDRA VALLS AS THE 2026 “CELESTIAL AWARD™ FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEATRICAL & COMEDY” HONOREE
Trailblazing Performer and Advocate Sandra Valls Will Be Honored at The Celestial Awards™ Show on January 17th at The World-Class Tobin Center in Downtown San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, June 29, 2025 – Today, Women in Film & Television Texas (WIFT Texas) proudly announced nationally celebrated comedian, actor, singer, and advocate Sandra Valls as the organization’s 2026 honoree of “The Celestial Award™ for Excellence in Theatrical & Comedy. Valls, a Laredo, Texas native and lifelong champion of equity and representation, recently starred in “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (2025, The James Earl Jones Theatre), where she made her long-awaited Broadway debut as Prima Fulvia. The critically acclaimed production released its original Broadway cast recording on June 6, 2025, and received two nominations at the 78th Tony Awards.
“As a proud Latina, lesbian, and Texan, this recognition touches my heart. I stand on the shoulders of so many remarkable women, and I hope this reminds other women — especially those blazing their own paths — that their voices, stories, and dreams matter. Thank you for this incredible honor. I’m inspired to keep showing up, speaking out, and continuing to create boldly,” said Sandra Valls.
The Celestial Awards™ honor trailblazing women of achievement in the media and entertainment industry, recognizing excellence across all verticals. The awards show will take place on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at The Tobin Center’s world-class H-E-B Performance Hall in downtown San Antonio, following the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ on January 15th and 16th. Actress and producer Renae Treviño will host the high-profile, entertainment-filled ceremony.
“Sandra Valls embodies the resilience, authenticity, and brilliance we celebrate through The Celestial Awards™. Her journey — from Texas stages to the Broadway spotlight — is not only inspiring but a powerful testament to the importance of representation and fearless storytelling,” said WIFT Texas CEO & Executive Producer of the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ and The Celestial Awards™ Ceslie Armstrong. “We believe her voice and impact align beautifully with the mission of Women in Film & Television Texas, and we are thrilled to honor her outstanding contributions to the arts and advocacy with The Celestial Award for Excellence in Theatrical & Comedy on January 17, 2026, at The Tobin Center in San Antonio, Texas,” continued Armstrong.
“Sandra Valls is such a talented performer who stands in her authenticity while delivering powerful performances on stage. Whether she is playing a character as in Real Women Have Curves on Broadway or a comedic performance in her own voice, audiences want more, and we are so proud to honor Texan Sandra Valls,” said Eileen Kret, WIFT Texas Board of Directors Vice President and Co-Executive Producer of the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ and The Celestial Awards™.
Sandra Valls’ bold, comedic presence and advocacy have made her a standout figure in entertainment, and her Broadway success marks another milestone in an already impactful career. Women in Film & Television Texas is honored to celebrate her work, voice, and legacy at The Celestial Awards™.
Sandra Valls, starring in the cast of “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical,” appeared on The 78th Annual Tony Awards Red Carpet in advance of her performance on the live telecast on CBS.
Photo: Manoli Figetakis/Getty Images
ABOUT “CELESTIAL AWARD™” HONOREE SANDRA VALLS
Comedian • Actor • Singer • Advocate
Sandra Valls is a dynamic comic, actor, singer, writer, and unapologetic advocate from Laredo, Texas. Known for her electrifying performance on Showtime’s “The Latin Divas of Comedy,” Sandra blends razor-sharp wit, physical comedy, and powerful storytelling into every performance. At the ripe age of 59 years young, Sandra made her Broadway debut in “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (2025, The James Earl Jones Theatre), playing the beloved crowd favorite, Prima Fulvia. The production released its original cast recording on June 6, 2025, and was nominated for two awards at the 78th Annual Tony Awards.
Valls made her Off-Broadway debut with the smash hit play “The Latina Christmas Special,” which she co-wrote and starred in at the iconic Soho Playhouse. She has been recognized as one of Latina Magazine’s Top 33 Badass Comics with Latin Roots and one of GO Magazine’s Top 100 Women We Love.
Sandra Valls’ television credits include “NickMom Night Out” (Nickelodeon), “One Night Stand Up” (LOGO), “Comics Unleashed” (ABC), and “Habla!” (HBO). She is a sought-after emcee, having hosted prestigious events such as TEDx Women, The Task Force Creating Change Conference, and the GLAAD Awards.
A fierce community advocate, Sandra tours with Lezberados and Queer Queens of Qomedy, and has shared the stage with icons such as Melissa Etheridge and Eva Longoria. A staunch supporter of women’s rights, the LGBTQIA+, and the Latino community, Sandra channels her passion into volunteer work and producing powerful comedy shows that raise awareness for causes like domestic violence, AIDS, and recovery.
Named to Unidos’ Project VISIBLE Latinos LGBT list, Sandra has also been honored by her hometown of Laredo, Texas, with the International Women’s Day Award for her tireless efforts to empower women and elevate queer voices.
ABOUT WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION TEXAS
Women in Film & Television Texas is the leading nonprofit membership organization chartered in 2023 for people working in the media and entertainment industry throughout Texas including members located throughout the United States and globally and advocates of the organization. The WIFT Texas mission and programming is dedicated to promoting equity for women in the Media & Entertainment industry at all stages of their careers, including students.
We are proudly an official chapter of Women in Film & Television International “WIFTI” which is a global network of more than 13,000 members and 70 partners and chapters located on six continents that for more than 50 years has been dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of media and entertainment.
WIFT Texas members represent a broad range of professions spanning the entire Media & Entertainment industry. From producers and directors to accountants and lawyers, above the line and below, in front of the camera or behind it, WIFT Texas is dedicated to helping women reach their highest level of achievement in media and entertainment. Memberships are also available for people who want to advocate, align with, and support the nonprofit organization. College students from across the state, individuals with an interest in learning about the industry, partner organizations, and corporate members are welcome. WIFT Texas’ mission includes building community across the industry while collaborating with other WIFTI chapters and partners and organizations in the region we serve.
Based in downtown San Antonio, Texas, Women in Film & Television Texas was founded by native San Antonian and Media & Entertainment veteran Ceslie Armstrong on November 11, 2023, at the invitation of the global organization.
To learn more about becoming a member, supporter, partner, and the programming slate including The Celestial Awards™, visit WIFTTEXAS.ORG or email hello@wifttexas.org
To Contact our CEO Ceslie Armstrong directly: ceslie@ceslie.com
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Media Contact, The Celestial Awards™:
Mary Moore: editorial@wifttexas.org