Forbes highlights that life extends beyond the familiar world of influencers, reframing the term and bringing fresh energy to its meaning. From this shift emerged a ranked list that showcased Spain’s most influential women. The compilation gathers names across business, sports, culture, art, politics and other fields, presenting a symbol of leadership, innovation, and women’s empowerment in the country.
Within this roster shines Cristina de Middel from Alicante, recognized for her National Photography Award and for steering the Magnum Photos agency. Her inclusion reflects a broader spectrum of achievement, presented here in alphabetical order rather than by any rank or position, as organized by Forbes.
The photographer, based in Brazil, assumed leadership of Magnum last year and continually pushes the boundaries of documentary storytelling. Her work centers on truth and perspective, often challenging established norms as she pursues a distinctive visual truth through experimentation and bold concepts.
Among the names on the list, de Middel shares space with influential business leaders such as Alice Koplowitz, Marta Ortega, Ana Patricia Botín, and former minister Cristina Garmendia. She also sits alongside researchers like Ana Fernández-Sesma and Margarita del Val, and political figures such as Carmen Calvo, Irene Montero, Margarita Robles, Nadia Calviño, Meritxell Batet, Teresa Ribera, Yolanda Díaz, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
In addition, athletes like Ana Peleteiro and Paula Badosa stand beside film and music icons such as Penélope Cruz, Carla Simón, Chanel, Rigoberta Bandini, and Rosalía. The roster also embraces journalists like Ana Rosa Quintana, Angels Barceló, Pepa Bueno, Julia Otero, and Susana Griso, as well as leaders in gastronomy like Elena Arzak and Carmen Ruscalá. Queen Letizia, Carmen Cervera, and Elena Ochoa Foster are also highlighted for their influence.
Attributes
The body of work by Cristina de Middel from Alicante has been displayed in multiple countries, including Italy, Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Her academic background spans photography studies and the Hochschule or universities where she studied, reflecting a solid foundation in the arts. As a pioneer at Magnum, she has contributed since 2017 and embraces photography as a form of responsibility and storytelling rather than mere reward.
Her accolades include being among the earliest Spanish finalists for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize and earning acclaim such as the Infinity Prize from the International Center of Photography in New York, and the Prix Virginia in 2021, which honors female photographers around the world.
Cristina de Middel at the top of the Magnum agency
She was awarded the St. Charles Medal by the Polytechnic University of Valencia for recognizing individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to arts and culture. Her concise career sketch, created in collaboration with the gallery, shows a pattern of self-publishing projects and ongoing participation in major fairs and exhibitions. She has remained active in prominent events such as ARCO and Paris Photo, while working across European cities including London, Italy, and Portugal.
Her body of work spans a diverse range of themes, including Afronauts, Parties, The Perfect Man, The Body as a Battlefield, and Journey to the Center. These titles reflect a sharp, often provocative approach to photography and narrative.