This Saturday, February 11, Seville will host the pinnacle of our national cultural calendar: the Goya Awards 2023, Spain’s premier film celebration. The suspense is over and the votes cast, ready for the big night where Clara Lago and Antonio de la Torre help usher in a whirlwind of emotion with the Los Goya premiere 2023. The competition across many categories is fiercer than ever, reflecting a remarkable lineup from the world’s leading film festivals.
Seven things you need to know about the Goya premiere
This edition highlights several standout contributors from the Valencian Community with Alicante figures shining as contenders. Five of the eight Valencian nominees represent Alicante, underscoring the region’s growing influence in Spanish cinema. The following notes identify the key figures, their nominations, and what makes their work stand out in this year’s race.
What are the most awarded and nominated films and actors in Goya 2023?
Elena López Riera: Nominated for Best New Director at Los Goya
Elena López Riera, an Orihuela native, earned two nominations for her debut feature after earning the Pardino d’Oro for her short film Those Who Wish at Locarno. Her feature screened to critical acclaim and has become a defining voice in contemporary Spanish cinema, earning recognition in the new director and discovery categories. Alicante’s rising influence is clear as her work resonates on an international stage.
Her film chronicles a story of resilience and empowerment, weaving a narrative that has appeared on curated showcases from Cannes Directors’ Fortnight to Toronto and San Sebastián, and beyond. The director emphasizes a broader shift in Spanish cinema toward varied perspectives and mature storytelling, a shift that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
The media have quoted her reflection on the nomination, noting a changing landscape for Spanish cinema driven by fresh voices and fearless storytelling, especially in genres and formats that challenge convention.
Luna Pamies: Nominated for Best New Actress in 2023
Luna Pamies, 18, from Orihuela, began her screen journey as a teenager and quickly rose to prominence. Her breakthrough was identified by industry mentors who recognized her versatility and natural presence on screen. Her recent work has earned her accolades and a strong position in the Best New Actress category, reflecting a new generation of performers making a mark on the national stage. She stands out for a poised, expressive performance that captivates audiences and critics alike, and she continues to build on a rising career, while other contenders in the field bring diverse strengths to the table.
Her talent is paired with strong collaborations in Orihuela and beyond, and her recent nominations underscore the region’s contribution to Spain’s film ecosystem. The competition also features peers whose performances have drawn praise for nuance and bold character work, further highlighting the festival’s role as a proving ground for emerging artistry.
Adán Aliaga: Nominated for Best Short Documentary for La gàbia
Adán Aliaga, a producer from San Vicente del Raspeig, is recognized alongside his short documentary La gàbia, a personal project rooted in family storytelling. The film, born from intimate weekends at the family’s country home, has earned accolades at the XIX Ibero-American Short Film Competition Spanish Version/SGAE and received acclaim at Valladolid Film Week. The documentary presents a family portrait through a warm lens, capturing ordinary moments with universal resonance. The work reflects a tradition of regional storytelling that resonates across Spain and beyond.
Alicante’s cinema community continues to grow with talents like Adán Aliaga, Elena López, and Luna Pamies, who bring distinct voices to the festival slate. The category for best short documentary could see fierce competition, and Aliaga’s project will face a strong field that emphasizes personal narratives and social relevance. The San Vicente del Raspeig producer is part of a broader Alicante cohort pushing for recognition on one of Spain’s biggest stages.
Carlos Guerrero, producer of delivery, nominated for Best Short Fiction in 2023
Elche-based producer Carlos Guerrero is recognized for a project that explores emotional depth through a character study. The short film delves into the life of Armando, a stubborn man whose emotional trauma constrains him to his home. The storytelling centers on resilience, memory, and the bonds that tether families during trying times, offering a poignant look at the human experience that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
Cristina Rodríguez: Nominated for Best Costume Design for Malnazidos
Cristina Rodríguez, Benidorm’s renowned stylist, continues her track record of Goya recognition. A six-time finalist before this nomination, she is celebrated for her work on Malnazidos, a film set during the Civil War era. Her design choices underscore the period aesthetics while elevating the film’s emotional texture, marking another milestone in a career that blends craft with storytelling impact.