The Guia da Folha announced on Thursday (12) the winners in the categories of the special 'O Melhor de São Paulo - Cinema', highlighting venues like Cinesesc and Cinépolis JK Iguatemi. The list, selected by a jury, awards everything from individual rooms to networks and accessibility amid a year of declining cinema attendance. The prizes recognize technical quality, programming, and inclusion in the São Paulo capital.
The special 'O Melhor de São Paulo - Cinema', published by Guia da Folha on March 12, 2026, revealed the winners in various categories based on a specialized jury's evaluation. The Cinépolis JK Iguatemi was elected the best complex, with eight VIP rooms and the Imax with Laser room, which also won best projection. 'The JK Iguatemi is the cherry on top in São Paulo,' stated Pablo Billard, CEO of Cinépolis in Brazil.
The best room award went to Cinesesc on Rua Augusta, praised for its careful curation and the Cineclubinho, which has screened films for children on Sundays for 15 years at R$ 10. 'The Cineclubinho offers a different experience, with interventions and play space,' said Simone Yunes, the venue's manager. The cinema also tied for best cineclub/special room with Cinemateca Brasileira.
Other highlights include Cinemark as the best cinema and popcorn network, with 23 complexes in São Paulo and a focus on premium experiences like XD rooms; Espaço Petrobras de Cinema as best street cinema and national programming, screening independent Brazilian titles like 'O Agente Secreto'; and Cine Belas Artes for complementary programming, with events like all-nighters and debates.
In sound, room 1 at Cine Marquise won with Dolby Atmos, where films like 'Sirât' were shown with impressive bass. Café Fellini was the best café/concession, offering items like empanadas and quiche. Ingresso.com won best app, with optimized searches and user retrospectives. Cinépolis Jardim Pamplona was elected best in accessibility, with tactile flooring and personalized service, in a context where apps like Movie Reading expand options for visually impaired people.
Despite recognition for national films in 2025, cinema attendance fell about 10%, according to the Guia's analysis. Regional winners include Espaço Petrobras in the center, UCI Anália Franco in the east, Cinesystem Pompeia in the west, Cinemark Lar Center in the north, and Cinépolis JK Iguatemi in the south.
