This Monday, the Valladolid International Film Week Seminci recognized Blanca Portillo with the Title of Honor for being an actor who thrives across disciplines, capable of transporting audiences into every character he plays.
Actor and singer Asier Etxeandia introduced the award. After the audience greeted the tribute with a robust ovation, Portillo accepted the trophy with visible emotion, moved to tears by the moment.
At the outset of the ceremony, presenter Marta Medina highlighted Portillo as an “all-terrain” performer who has been sparking dreams for years and continually enriching the world with each role, widening the scope of what cinema and theatre can offer audiences.
Medina noted that the stage was never too small for Portillo, yet he sought new experiences, which led him to shift to the big screen with the play Entre Rojas, a point clarified by the host.
Asier Etxeandia, for his part, described it as an honor to pay homage to a reference in his life, expressing admiration and affection, and adding that Portillo is a friend, a mentor, and a kind of life-long rival in the best sense.
He remarked that it is striking to witness someone so devoted to the craft that they put their profession ahead of personal comfort, even risking health to take on demanding roles. The public’s reaction during Teresa’s film added to the evening’s electric atmosphere.
Blanca Portillo’s speech
Portillo expressed profound gratitude, saying that words failed to convey her feelings and that receiving the award was an honor. She reflected on the significance of the recognition, noting that it has previously been given to many distinguished professionals during the festival’s long history.
She admitted some initial doubt about whether she deserved the honor, but emphasized that her long career is a testament to the body of work she has created over the years.
Portillo described her emotions as joyful and dignified, adding that Valladolid is a city she loves dearly and that receiving the award there felt especially meaningful this time around.
Concluding her remarks, she stated that the recognition should be seen as a warm and loving embrace that reminds her there are people who value her work and cherish the craft she pursues.
Portillo’s career includes multiple Goya nominations and wins for Iciar Bollain’s Maixabel (2021); a Cannes best female performance award for Volver (2006) under Pedro Almodóvar, and the Concha de Plata from San Sebastián for Gracia Querejeta’s Seven Billiard Tables (2007).
Her contributions have solidified her as a cornerstone of the national acting scene, supported by a track record that includes several MAX awards and, more recently, the Corral de Comedias Award at the Almagro International Classical Theater Festival.
In this 68th edition, the event will also present tributes to notable international and regional talents, including British actress Charlotte Rampling, French actor Nathalie Baye, and Spanish artist Kiti Mánver, highlighting Seminci’s ongoing commitment to celebrating diverse cinematic voices.