The culture industry stands tall as a major pillar for creators, investors, and museums alike. If a content creator for a prominent city council in L’Hospitalet or a global fund seeking a museum-oriented project tunes in, the scene feels almost paradoxical yet incredibly practical. A VIP experience in a fashionable club, set against the backdrop of the historic Godó i Trias factory in Barcelona, becomes a mirror to how culture intersects with luxury and influence. Yet the same fund that backed the Hermitage series has its own agenda, a reminder that prestige and purpose must travel together. The Planet Award, a pioneer in cultural philanthropy, would turn the eyes of fashion editors like Vogue into a yawn or a spark of envy depending on the moment, proving that winning is not pure glory. A grant of a million euros for the winner and two hundred thousand for the finalist signals generosity, but it does not guarantee magic for the project or the audience.
The first writer to take the stage was Rosa Ribas, arriving with effortless swagger in sneakers and a backpack. When she appeared last year, she disclosed a connection to an American lead that helped reach the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya with the blessing of the King. Her timing was imperfect, and she teased that being early can feel almost forgotten in the rush of the program. In 2021 she admitted a struggle with punctuality, joking that waiting for the aperitif felt interminable. While crossing the path toward the MNAC, she encountered an Oktoberfest setup in a Fira pavilion and later shared that a residency in Germany, specifically Bavaria in September, had left a lasting impression. The tale of timing and travel painted a person who is both grounded and restless, eager to see how history unfolds in real time.
In a swift turn, Luis Bassat arrived just after Ribas, underscoring the playful tension that often accompanies award nights.
Luz Gabás wins the Planet in a calm gala with no surprises
As the night unfolded, the silence before the parade for the interview became a canvas for posture and poise. Participants wore a spectrum of styles, with navy suits dominating the room and a few bold jackets providing splashy color. The photo moment offered a mirror to the crowd: some looked perfectly at ease, others more self-conscious, highlighting the diverse personalities that fuel this cultural gathering. A few attendees stood out not by name but by presence, the fashion choices becoming conversation fodder in their own right. A self-service photo station allowed participants to capture a keepsake moment without the pressure of a formal portrait, a small but telling sign of how modern ceremonies balance tradition and spontaneity.
Throughout the evening, the tasting offered a journey through regional wines and foods. A variety of bites were presented, with cabernet sauvignon from Costers del Segre, albariño from Rías Baixas, and cava from Penedès offering a taste of the country’s diverse wine regions. Guests leaned into the pairing ritual, sometimes selecting one option, sometimes savoring sequential samples, the Galicia selection winning broad admiration for its expressiveness and balance. On the menu, lobster salad, tomato confit, tart apple and watercress emulsion made a crisp counterpoint to the roasted sea bass with citrus meunière. A checkerboard of vegetables and a parmentier of sweet potato offered color and texture, while apple tartin with vanilla cream and lemon compote finished the course. Coffee and petits fours provided a satisfying close, a nod to the meeting of fine dining and cultural celebration. The dinner was curated with intention, inviting guests to reflect on the awards as a broader statement about regional creativity and culinary craft.
no cameo
Mariana Enríquez, a jury member at the Sitges Film Festival, had generated buzz in literary circles that a visit to the MNAC could happen to honor the mood of the evening, even if not for a direct appearance. The expectation of Wintour’s potential reaction lingered in conversations, but the night moved forward without a spectacular interruption. The 71st Planeta Awards ceremony was chaired by the Second Vice-President of the Government and the Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, accompanied by national ministers representing education, culture, and universities. The moment underscored how the ceremony blends political leadership with cultural celebration, reinforcing the idea that literature and the arts remain integral to public life.
Barcelona’s mayor attended, along with Catalonia’s cultural minister Natàlia Garriga, and a contingent from Madrid that included the writer Martha Rivera de la Cruz. The gathering reflected a tapestry of regional and national voices, all converging to honor literary achievement while signaling a broader commitment to the arts economy. The event demonstrated how cultural leadership travels across jurisdictions, weaving together municipal, regional, and national threads into a shared celebration of creative work.