Spanish cinema is vibrant and renewing itself. A crucible of fresh voices confirms a shift across generations of young professionals, both behind and in front of the camera, who bring their own points of view. They may not feel at ease yet, but they are eager to tell daring stories that challenge how we view the human condition and the world around us. The future belongs to them, and audiences are keen to get to know these new talents better.
Carlota Pereda (Nominated for Best New Director) Her debut feature Cerdita gained international attention after its Sundance premiere. Pereda has directed television series and built a career as an award-winning short-film producer with works like Las rubias and especially Cerdita, which marked her film debut. Cerdita earned numerous accolades, including Goyas, and she has recently completed filming La ermita starring Belén Rueda. She is recognized as a pioneering woman in Spanish horror cinema.
Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Best New Director, Best Screenplay) After graduating from ECAM in Madrid, she worked in advertising while developing personal projects. She began with short films, and her feature Five Little Wolves was selected for the Panorama section at Berlinale. Since then, her debut feature won awards and connected with audiences through a heartfelt look at motherhood and the mother–child bond. Her upcoming film It’s You, a Netflix romantic comedy, is slated for release in March.
Elena López-Riera (Best New Director) Emerging from award-winning short films on the festival circuit, López-Riera gained international recognition through Cannes Directors’ Fortnight with her feature El agua. Her work blends documentary and fiction, with a strong sense of place and indigenous themes, drawing on Orihuela as a visual and cultural touchstone.
Nacho Sánchez (Best Actor) The 31-year-old performer from Ciego de Avila built his reputation on stage before breaking into film and television. Highlights include La piedra oscura and Iván y los Perros, where he shone. He later appeared in Seventeen and earned a Goya nomination for Best New Actor in the series editing of Daniel Sánchez Arévalo’s work, then shared the screen with Carlo Padial in Doctor Portuondo. He now tackles the demanding role of a young man exploring complex impulses in Manticora.
Diego Anido (Best Supporting Actor) A longtime theatrical creator in avant-garde circles, he was discovered by Rodrigo Sorogoyen to play Luis Zahera’s withdrawn brother in As Bestas. He worked with Agrupación Señor Serrano, one of Spain’s leading international theater companies, and earned the Venice Biennale Silver Lion among other honors. Born in Santiago de Compostela, his accent helps sell the character’s authenticity. Initially, the role was considered secondary, but he seized the opportunity when circumstances changed 48 hours before shooting began.
Marie Colomb (Best Supporting Actress) A rising French talent, Colomb has a fast-rising career. In the last six years she has starred in notable works like Les Magnétiques, a film that uneeded French cinema’s new faces, and she has appeared in television series such as Laëtitia. Her brief but memorable turn as the daughter in As Bestas represented a significant leap forward in her developing but solid trajectory.
Mikel Bustamante (Best New Actor) Born in Álava and trained in directing, sound, and editing at CECC before moving to Madrid to study acting, Bustamante has explored both sides of the camera. His early shorts, along with stage and magic performances, echo a restless creative energy. His breakthrough came with La casa de papel and later with Cinco Lobitos, where his presence helped define a new generation of performers.
Christian Checa (Best New Actor) Standing out in a cast featuring Penélope Cruz and Luis Tosar is no small feat, and at 21 he has done just that. He began in advertising and moved into television roles, while balancing studies. He is pursuing a steady progression in film with future projects and a continuing education, including Elisabet Gelabert’s A Long Journey.
Telmo Irureta (Best New Actor) Overcame early health challenges and pursued learning with vigor. A degree in Teaching and Pedagogy sits alongside a growing interest in acting, reinforced by training at the San Sebastián Performing Arts Workshop. After starring in Robarte una noche, he led The Rite of Spring as a young man with cerebral palsy, a role that showcases his range and commitment.
Laura Galán (Best New Actress) A defining voice for body positivity, Galán, at 36, convincingly played a teenager in Cerdita. Her warmth, talent, and advocacy have made her a powerful anti-bullying and body-positivity icon. The role launched a significant chapter in her career, leading to continued exposure and acclaim, including the challenge of portraying Sara with authenticity and depth. She remains a central figure in contemporary Spanish cinema.
Luna Pamies (Best New Actress) Director Elena López Riera searched for the right performer to anchor El agua in the film’s region. Pamies emerged after a persistent audition process in San Bartolomé, Orihuela. At only 15 when cast, she had to grow up quickly on set, and by now she has continued to work toward a rising trajectory in cinema, including Cannes and San Sebastián appearances, while maintaining ties to her hometown. Her journey is marked by resilience and a growing landscape of opportunities.
Valeria Sorolla (Best New Actress) One of this season’s boldest choices is a character who peels back layers as the Rite of Spring unfolds. Sorolla, who has appeared in youth-dominated dramas and creative projects, is expanding her reach in both stage and screen. She has a music project and collaborates with artists and designers, bringing a distinct, multifaceted presence to contemporary Spanish cinema. Her future looks bright as she balances multiple creative ventures.
Zoe Stein (Best New Actress) A standout talent of the season, Stein rose to prominence with Mantícora, playing a young woman navigating a meaningful relationship while caring for a father facing illness. She previously appeared in Merlí and has since built a diverse portfolio across film and television, including an upcoming Disney+ series The Invisible Girl, where she leads as the central figure alongside Daniel Grao. Stein lives in Berlin, reflecting a transnational trajectory common to today’s artists.
Albert Bosch, Jordi Pujol Dolcet, Anna Otín (Best New Actor)Non-professional actors also found prominent roles in Alcarràs, thanks to Carla Simón’s intent to cast locally in Lleida. Bosch, at 18, embodies a young man facing uncertain futures after his family’s farm industry shifts. Pujol Dolcet plays his father, Quimet, who grapples with losing the land and the families’ legacy. Otín leads the household as a kindergarten teacher who also teaches aerobics, with her gym serving as a unique casting ground. The ensemble’s grounded realism helped anchor the film’s emotional heartbeat and regional authenticity.