Cristina Rodriguez has crafted costumes for more than 70 films and has earned six Goya Award nominations since 2010. Academics are now adding her name to the list again for her work on the movie Javier Ruiz Caldera. This would mark her seventh nomination. “Let’s see if I can handle it; there’s no other path,” the Benidorm-born designer quips. At 53, she contemplates the possibility with humor, noting she might even end up in the Guinness Book before long. With stiff competition this year, her remarks carry a trace of both pride and realism. She reflects on a career that began when the industry was younger and recalls that the journey to the Goyas has been a beautiful one, even when the road was challenging.
Rodríguez’s involvement in the adventure comedy set among Nazis and zombies has been a demanding one. The production, a mix of history and fantasy, required nights in the countryside under tough weather, with extensive makeup and practical effects. The designer describes the process as both arduous and rewarding. She enjoys challenges that push her to improvise and grow; after all, she has been the department head since she was 23 and has designed countless characters. Repetition is not her thing, and she avoids treading the same ground twice.
Rodríguez expresses some disappointment that only the costumes and special effects received nominations for the project. She notes the film had a long release window and feels the comedy genre is underrated during awards season. If she wins, she hopes the recognition will extend to the entire team, not just the individual designer.
The designer recently wrapped a season on the series Hitnow and has two films awaiting release: almost family from Álvaro Fernández Armero and husbands from Lucia Germany. She also looks forward to a project in her home country, emphasizing her pride in her roots from Benidorm. “I’m from Benidorm, and I love it. I always say what I do because I’m from Benidorm,” she says with casual conviction.
Adem Aliaga, a filmmaker from San Vicente del Raspeig, received a new nomination for best short documentary with La gàbia. Previously nominated in 2018, co-director Alex Lora speaks about the challenges and the campaign strategy needed to reach academics so they can vote if they appreciate the work.
Since its premiere at Seminci, the short film has gained attention for its simple, personal storytelling. Aliağa reflects on a Sunday at his father’s house and describes the reception as warm and meaningful. He notes the project has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
His parents, who appeared in previous shorts, supported his decision to invite them back into the process. He frames the project as a tribute, sharing a personal anecdote about a canary and a cat to convey deeper emotion. He acknowledges his father is no longer alive and hopes the Goya recognition might come, but the journey itself remains meaningful.
Double nomination for “El agua”
Álvaro Aliaga will align with Elena Lopez Riera, a filmmaker from Orihuela, for best new director on her first feature film. The project explores women and water legends in their hometown and has drawn attention since its Cannes Directors’ Fortnight debut.
The director is buoyant about the prospects, noting the industry’s strong slate of contenders this year. She remains grounded and grateful for the team’s effort and the opportunity to share this story with audiences. Among the nominees, a sense of camaraderie prevails, even as competition rises. The cinema landscape now offers more films at international festivals than ever before, which adds to the excitement and pressure alike.
Young actress Luna Pamies, whom López Riera met one night, speaks with hopeful optimism. The director praises Luna’s talent and believes she deserves the Goya. The filmmaker also celebrates Aliaga as a representative of Alicante cinema and notes that 2023 will bring premieres in France and Switzerland for López Riera’s project, signaling the continued momentum of their collective journey.
Elena, a woman from San Bartolomé, discusses her surprise at the nomination and her initial insecurity. She explains that the recognition felt surreal and that she is still adjusting to the attention. The moment is both thrilling and overwhelming, but she remains focused on her craft and the work ahead.
The young actress Luna Pamies reflects on her own experience, describing how the nomination has shifted her perspective. She is considering representation and career steps but wants to stay present in the moment and enjoy the ride. The possibility of a directing nod for Elena Lopez Riera also energizes the group, underscoring the collective nature of modern cinema where directors, writers, and performers share in the success.
collective nomination
In the fiction short film category, Pedro Díaz directs a group featuring Ramón Barea, Ferrán Vilasojana, and a team including producer Carlos Guerrero from Elche and his colleagues at 39 Escalones Films. The year’s slate also includes Gora Automatikoa as a notable produced entry. The mood among peers is positive, with gratitude for being acknowledged by fellow professionals.
The sense of achievement is strong as nominees prepare for an awards season that often requires careful coordination and a shared sense of purpose. The recognition is embraced not as a victory for individuals alone but as a testament to the collaborative effort that sustains the industry and fuels future projects.