At the Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz, the gala marked the XXVIth edition of the Max Awards, celebrated with performances and recognition from the SGAE Foundation. A notable moment was the presence of Teatro Español – Madrid Destino Cultura Turismo y Negocio receiving an award from Buxman Producciones, a nod to the collaboration between cultural institutions and contemporary theatre producers.
For the first time in this category, five shows contended for the prize. Among the contenders were productions from The Wandering Dramatic, Teatre Lliure, Producciones Come y Calla, Teatro Español – Madrid Destination Culture Tourism and Business, and La Infamia, presented in the flood zone by the National Theater of Catalonia. The field highlighted a vibrant mix of national contemporary theatre with strong ensemble performances and distinctive storytelling approaches, signaling a robust season across the region.
In the ceremony, other titles stood out. “Runa” and “Landscape Cockroach” rose as strong contenders, each securing two of the three awards to which they were entitled. Lali Ayguadé earned multiple recognitions, with the performer receiving nominations for best choreography and best dance artist, and ultimately claiming two awards. In a separate note within the evening, a strong performance by “Cockroach with a view in the background” earned Max Awards for Best New Writing for Javier Ballesteros and Best New Show for Woman in Works, underscoring the breadth of new voices in contemporary theatre.
In another highlight, Iñaki Rikarte received the Max Award for Best Stage Direction for a production described as extraordinary. Rikarte shared the accolade with María Giricelaya for “Yerma” and with Xavier Bobés and Alberto Conejero for “El mar: visió d’uns nens que no l’han vist mai,” reflecting a collaborative spirit in staging and interpretation across multiple works.
Marta Nieto and Marina Salas were recognized for best actress for their performances in a piece that challenged expectations and captivated audiences. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the Max Awards honored two actresses in the same category within a single ceremony. They competed against Ane Pikaza for “Yerma” and Pepa Pedroche for “Los santos inocentes.”
Pere Arquillué took home the Max Award for best actor for his role in “L’adversari,” a film adaptation of Emmanuel Carrère’s novel about the life of Jean-Claude Romand. The story follows a man who constructed a life of deceit, a dramatic arc that has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him top honors in this category as a portrayal that fused literary adaptation with stage discipline and screen sensibility.