For the past decade, Alicante has consistently featured in Goya Awards nominations through its film industry talent. This year, five professionals from the region carried the anticipation into Seville, as the gala approached. Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s circle stood out as the likely favorites, and for the first time a strong contingent of films directed by women dominated the conversation about top honors. Five Alicante-connected professionals began the countdown to a night that could mark a turning point for local cinema.
One individual joked that the week had been busy and quiet at the same time, a reminder that life rarely pauses for red carpets. A young filmmaker from San Bartolomé, Orihuela, spoke about her life changing with her first nomination, describing how a groundbreaking performance in a role that felt ahead of its time had sparked a new chapter in her career. Another highlighted Elena López Riera, the Oriolan director of a widely anticipated project, who was also nominated for best direction in a significant production.
The mood around Luna Pamies was electric. She reflected on her journey from a hesitant reply to a director’s invitation to a breakthrough moment that had unfolded on major stages, including Cannes, Toronto, and San Sebastián. She spoke about feeling incredibly fortunate as the night approached and shared plans to be supported by her partner, her father, and his wife at the gala. The young performer now embraces the idea of continuing to work in cinema after shedding some early fears about the camera. She even teased a playful promise to celebrate if she wins, perhaps by returning to Orihuela for a local celebration with friends and family.
Elena López Riera, who both directed and acted in her latest project, continued to accompany her film wherever it traveled, aligning with a new wave of Spanish women filmmakers such as Carla Simón and Charlotte Pereda. The cohort, including Alauda Ruiz, had multiple nominations, signaling a shift in recognizing female-led storytelling. The production linked to Orihuela and Vega Baja drew attention for its intimate storytelling and its collaboration between Suica Movies and other partners. The film premiered in international markets and was scheduled for releases in France on March 1, while other accolades remained a possibility in the Swiss Film Awards and beyond.
Carlos Guerrero, producer of the Elche-based short film La entrega, joined the lineup as a second-time producer nominee for a project written by Pedro Díaz and featuring Ramón Barea. Guerrero spoke about the unpredictability of award seasons: with nearly 2,000 academics voting, any candidate could prevail, and the criteria for evaluation varied by category. He attended the Valencia candidates’ meeting alongside Raquel Tamarit, emphasizing that the entire process remains a balance of craft, timing, and luck.
The week leading up to the Goya Awards was often described as relatively calm, with nerves giving way to logistical focus as participants prepared for the gala. The experience of the previous year had taught many to manage anticipation and channel energy into the practicalities of screening, presentation, and performance. On reflection, the team remained grateful for the chance to showcase the work and urged audiences to view the films on Movistar+ when available.
Adán Aliaga, director of the short film La gàbia, offered a candid view of the competition in the best documentary short category. He and his team had observed a deep pool of talent, including Adem Aliaga, whose own nomination marked a continued commitment to the region’s storytelling tradition. The filmmaker noted that Seville would bring both anticipation and a sense of camaraderie among the nominees, with a shared goal of presenting the best possible work to the audience. The support from the San Vicente community and Jaibo Films was highlighted as integral to bringing the project to life, including the family’s involvement in producing and supporting the film’s creative direction.
Cristina Rodríguez, a veteran in costume design from Benidorm, stood out for her long-running record of nominations. Her latest work for Malnazidos, a comedy set in a civil war era that channels a unique blend of humor and horror, featured costumes that combined historical accuracy with dramatic flair. Rodríguez expressed tempered optimism about the night, noting that while she would love to win, the journey itself had already yielded a sense of accomplishment. She paid tribute to her collaborators, including the designer who crafted the look and the jewelry that complemented the wardrobe, and she joked about possibly entering the Guinness Book as one of the most-nominated people in Goya history as a lighthearted aside. The evening promised a fashion moment as memorable as the performances on screen, with all eyes on the gowns and the craftsmanship behind them.