The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards, honoring the best in dance across stage and film, will be held May 18 at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.

Named after late Tony winner Chita Rivera—who originated some of Broadway's best-known dance-heavy lead roles, including Anita in West Side Story and Velma in Chicago—the awards celebrate dance and choreographic excellence and achievement.

Nominees will be selected by separate stage and film Nominating Committees, with winners selected by an Awarding Committee. Off-Broadway honors will only have winners selected, and no nominees. This year's Awarding Committee comprises Sylviane Gold, Gary Chryst, Robert LaFosse, Donna McKechnie, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, and Lee Roy Reams, The Broadway Nominating Committee is made up of Melinda Atwood, Caitlin Carter, Gary Chryst, Don Correia, Sandy Duncan, Peter Filichia, Dr. Louis Galli, Sylviane Gold, Jonathan Herzog, Robert La Fosse, Joe Lanteri, Donna McKechnie, Michael Milton, Mary Beth O'Connor, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, Lee Roy Reams, Desmond Richardson, Andy Sandberg, and Randy Skinner; and the Film Nominating Committee includes Jonathan C. Herzog, Steven Caras, Wilhelmina Frankfurt, Mary Beth O’Connor, and Andy Sandberg.

“With 2026 quickly approaching, the Chita Rivera Awards anticipate another exciting season of dance excellence,” says producer Joe Lanteri in a statement. “We look forward to an evening filled with exceptional talent and vibrant community spirit, continuing the legacy of Chita herself. As always, we are honored to gather in her name.”

The event is produced by Lanteri and Patricia Watt, and is a program of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation.

Visit ChitaRiveraAwards.com.