The 2024 Goya Awards gala will take center stage in Valladolid on February 10, hosted at the Valladolid Fair. The city will experience a richer, longer program than in recent years, with pre-events already underway from December 16.
Two distinct exhibitions will illuminate the experience: one set indoors, another unfolding across the streets. Attendees will have access to screenings of nominated films, plus conversations with directors, actors, and the film crews behind this year’s selections. Educational and social initiatives will weave through the schedule, and the spectacle will be punctuated by oversized Goya statues displayed along public routes. As Jesús Julio Carnero noted, the city will be bathed in the glow of Goya with a dedicated photo call at City Hall, inviting residents and visitors to capture a moment in the festival atmosphere.
The mayor is joined by Fernando Méndez-Leite, president of the Film Academy, Susi Sánchez, vice-president and a two-time Goya Award recipient, and Blanca Jiménez, councilor responsible for Tourism, Events and City Branding. This leadership group underlines Valladolid’s commitment to a memorable festival experience that blends culture with civic pride.
Méndez-Leite highlighted that Goya 2024 will leave a lasting impression on Valladolid, with a longer, more varied slate of events than in previous editions. The celebrations will extend beyond four weeks, offering audiences a curated sequence of screenings, discussions, and public engagements. This extended timeline follows months of close collaboration between the Film Academy and the City Council to shape a program that reflects both artistic excellence and community involvement.
Valladolid has long been known for its cinematic character, a reputation reinforced by the festival. Local officials emphasized that the event will strengthen the bond between the city and the film community, inviting both residents and visitors to participate in the cinematic journey. The ambition is for this edition to amplify the cultural conversation across the region and beyond, showcasing the city as a dynamic hub for film culture and urban celebration. The preparation emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement, inviting schools, cultural groups, and neighborhoods to contribute to a vibrant festival ecosystem.
Throughout the lead-up and during the gala week, audiences can expect a blend of formal screenings and informal encounters, allowing for deeper dialogue about the craft of filmmaking. The program includes panel discussions, Q&A sessions with creators, and opportunities to explore the practical side of cinema, from production design to post-production innovations. The spirit of the event centers on community connection, artistic discovery, and the shared joy of storytelling expressed through cinema. The festival continues to position Valladolid as a model of how a city can embrace a major cultural event while enriching daily life for its residents and visitors alike. For attendees traveling from Canada and the United States, the festival offers a gateway to a southern European city renowned for its culinary traditions, historic architecture, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Citations reflect the official planning notes and public statements from city and academy leaders, underscoring the collaborative path that made this expanded program possible.