Spain’s cinema calendar is shuffling toward a pivotal moment, with Seville set to host the second edition of the 37th Goya Awards just weeks away. Ceremonial directors Antonio de la Torre and Clara Lago are steering the event, aiming for a night that resonates with energy and warmth as the countdown ticks down to this Wednesday’s spectacle.
“I am ready to champion Spanish cinema on stage,” De la Torre stated at a Madrid press conference held at the Film Academy, a day that followed high-profile moments from the Oscars when Will Smith’s confrontation with Chris Rock dominated headlines last year.
Clara Lago, a standout presence in Spanish cinema and star of the record-breaking comedy 8 Basque Surnames, has called for a shift away from controversy and toward a celebration that engages audiences meaningfully. She noted that while the industry has its robust moments, a pared-back approach could yield a more powerful shared experience.
She suggested the gala could feature an opening musical sequence that sets the tone for a night that honors craft over flash. The ceremony is slated to take place at the Andalusian Auditorium in Seville, a venue that has become a hub for major cultural events. Lago also highlighted her experience producing well-known shows such as Operación Triunfo, Tu cara me suena, and Boom!, underscoring the team’s commitment to creating a memorable event.
Musical contributions will be handled by Natalia Lafourcade, Pablo López, and Israel Fernández, with Lago expressing enthusiasm about the lineup and clarifying that the Academy’s choice focused on artistic merit rather than comedic effect alone.
De la Torre reinforced that the hosts will not rely on humor at the expense of respect, emphasizing that their job is to illuminate what makes this year’s Spanish cinema standout. He noted that the best awards nights celebrate a vibrant, high-quality season and invite audiences to reflect on the power of film.
The public’s role is central, Lago added, arguing that cinema becomes meaningful only when it attracts an audience. The Goyas, she said, spotlight proposals that might otherwise go unnoticed and provide a platform with broad visibility, drawing audiences that reached millions in recent years.
To boost engagement, the Academy has launched an official online betting initiative around the winners, inviting participants to share in a future edition by bringing a guest. The prize pairings will be part of the 2024 edition’s momentum.
Among the frontrunners, Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s As Monsters leads with 17 nominations, followed by Alberto Rodríguez’s Model 77 with 16, and Carla Simón’s Alcarràs as well as Alauda Ruiz de Azua’s Cinco Lobitos tied at 11 nominations each, reflecting a year packed with strong storytelling and strong performances.
Addressing inevitable post-event commentary, De la Torre acknowledged that criticism comes with any major ceremony. He added a touch of humor, noting that if the night ends well, one could still end up laughing about it later, even if a phone ends up in an awkward, unplanned resting place—a light reminder that the evening is about shared experience more than flawless polish.
The interview underscored a broader philosophy: cinema should reach people, not remain a closed circle. Lago highlighted the importance of proposals gaining visibility and the Goyas acting as a spotlight that can propel deserving projects into the national dialogue, expanding the reach of Spanish storytelling across audiences in both the United States and Canada. (Attribution: Spanish Film Academy press materials, 2024–2025)