Juan Antonio Bayona earned the Goya Award for best direction for the film The Snow Society, a portrait of the 1972 weather tragedy that unfolded in the Andes. This achievement marks Bayona’s fourth directing prize at the Goyas, underscoring a storied career that began with the breakthrough feature The Orphanage in 2007, earned the best new director honor, and subsequently added wins for Impossible in 2012 and A Monster Calls in 2016. Bayona’s latest triumph reinforces his standing as a leading figure in contemporary Spanish cinema and signals a continued international reach. — citation: Academy
In this edition, Bayona faced strong competition from notable contemporaries such as Víctor Erice, Elena Martín, David Trueba, and Isabel Coixet, whose nominations included Close Your Eyes, Creature, They Know It, and Un amor respectively. The tension around the category reflected a vibrant moment for Spanish filmmaking as it showcased a mix of veteran visionaries and rising talents. — citation: Academy
The Snow Society is adapted from Pablo Vierci’s book of the same title and chronicles the testimonies of the 16 survivors of the Andes plane crash, which occurred on October 13, 1972, when a rugby team traveling from Montevideo to Paris was stranded high in the mountains. The narrative threads together the personal accounts of those who endured extreme conditions, pulling back the curtain on the human endurance and moral dilemmas faced in those 72 days before rescue. — citation: Academy
Among the 45 people aboard, 12 perished in the crash, and another group faced death as winter, hunger, and injuries tested their limits. The film intertwines the claustrophobic reality of survival with the broader questions of courage, community, and the choices that define humanity when resources are scarce. — citation: Academy
The project represents Bayona’s return to a Spanish-language narrative after a decade and a half since The Orphanage, marking a significant moment of re-engagement with local cinema while maintaining his global sensibility. The director spoke about the need for a robust and sustainable Spanish film industry that can sustain ambitious projects despite limited resources, emphasizing the importance of a strong audience and continued investment in storytelling. — citation: Academy
Bayona acknowledged Netflix’s role in supporting the project, noting its reach to a vast audience and its contribution to bringing the film to a wide viewing public. He highlighted the platform’s ability to expand access while recognizing the value of traditional theatrical experiences for a story deeply rooted in human emotion and shared history. The film’s visibility on a global streaming service complemented its theatrical presence and broadened the conversation around Spanish cinema. — citation: Academy
During his remarks, Bayona spoke about the ongoing journey to ensure Spanish cinema remains accessible in theaters and commented on the broader cultural context in which these films operate. He reiterated that the industry needs a steady stream of resources to sustain creative risks and to support the kind of storytelling that resonates with audiences at home and abroad. — citation: Academy
When receiving the Goya for best film, Bayona expressed a sense of belonging to the Spanish cinema family and acknowledged the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He described the moment as a feeling of joining a larger community and emphasized that the reward is shared with the many people who contribute to the craft. The sentiment underscored the idea that great cinema emerges from collective effort, not solitary genius. — citation: Academy
Bayona closed by inviting continued collaboration and dedication. He urged the industry to unite in pursuit of artistic excellence and to maintain a practical, grounded approach to production. His closing remarks reflected a practical optimism: pride in the work, a commitment to collective achievement, and a shared belief that, together, the possible outcomes exceed individual ambition. — citation: Academy