The FIBES Convention and Exhibition Centre in Seville hosted the Goya Awards ceremony on February 11, 2023. This annual event shines a spotlight on the most accomplished professionals who worked on Spanish cinema throughout the prior year, recognizing excellence across a wide range of categories. The exact number of prizes presented at the ceremony can vary, but the 2023 edition followed a familiar structure that has defined previous ceremonies.
In 2023, the Goya Awards honored winners across a total of 28 categories, mirroring the format seen in recent editions. The core, high-profile categories form the backbone of the night, often referred to as the “major” awards. These include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. These awards embody the principal recognition given to the most outstanding performances and creative leadership in Spanish cinema.
Beyond these headline honors, the ceremony also recognizes outstanding achievements in the technical and creative crafts that bring films to life. The line-up typically includes Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair, Best Sound, and Best Special Effects. Together, these eight categories highlight the artistry and technical proficiency that underpin cinematic storytelling.
In addition to the feature-length categories, the Goya Awards celebrate other formats that contribute to the breadth of Spanish cinema. The evening often features awards for Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Fictional Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, and Best Animated Short Film. The ceremony also acknowledges works that extend beyond national borders, with distinctions such as the Best Ibero-American Film and the Best European Film awards, recognizing cross-border collaboration and influence in the European and Ibero-American film landscapes.
Two special honors also punctuate the event. The International Goya Award is presented to a filmmaker or artist with a significant impact on global cinema. In the recent tradition, the recipient has been celebrated for their international reach and enduring contributions to the art of filmmaking. The Goya de Honor, another prestigious distinction, recognizes a long and influential career that has shaped the Spanish film industry. In 2023, this honor was conferred to Carlos Saura, echoing prior recognitions and continuing a line of illustrious recipients that span decades. The International Goya Award has previously recognized figures such as Juliette Binoche, whose contributions to cinema are celebrated alongside the national achievements at the ceremony. Cate Blanchett’s recognition in 2022 underscored the award’s international scope and prestige.
Overall, the Goyas not only celebrate the best in Spanish cinema for the year but also acknowledge the collaborative and diverse talents that contribute to cinematic success. The event brings together actors, directors, writers, technicians, and international guests, reflecting the industry’s collaborative spirit and its ongoing evolution within Spain and beyond.