The Goya Awards: A Harvest of Spanish Cinema Gets Ready to Shine
Almost two years have passed since people could share hugs and kisses, yet the mood this year is electric. A gathering of friends celebrated the success of Spanish cinema and the feeling of belonging to one of the country’s finest movie moments as the Goya season kicked into high gear.
Fernando Méndez Leite, president of the Film Academy, hosted a gathering at Florida Park Retiro in Madrid that drew almost 170 guests. It was a night of warmth and anticipation, a prelude to the awards that will shape conversations across the industry in the months to come. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Rodrigo Sorogoyen, director of the acclaimed film about fierce loyalty and survival, noted that the year feels unusually crowded with standout titles. He cautioned against viewing the evening as a simple favorites’ list, stressing that it is a celebration of Spanish cinema as a whole. The 38th Goya edition will take place in February in Seville, a city that has become a symbolic home for the ceremony. Friends will decide among the contenders, with many voices shaping the final outcome. The question remains: which film will emerge as the audience favorite?
Among the strongest contenders are the same headliners breaking through with big nominations. As Bestas leads with 17 nods, Modelo 77 is close behind with 16, and Alcarràs and Cinco Lobitos each hold eleven. Cerdita and Los renglones torcidos de Dios each receive six nominations. For the first time, five nominees compete in every one of the 28 categories, signaling a broader and more inclusive field than ever before. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Heroes of Cerdita received attention for the bold storytelling and the performances that defined the year in Spanish cinema. The mood at the event reflected a shared belief that this could be a turning point for future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. The sense was that a new wave of talent is ready to push boundaries while honoring enduring traditions. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Actress Carmen Machi, nominated for Cerdita, described the year as a remarkable return from difficult times. She spoke of an explosion of curiosity and abundance among women in Spanish film, which she hopes will be normalized through continued visibility and opportunities. Machi emphasized that simply highlighting which films and directors were in contention could help erase lingering biases and ensure more equitable recognition. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
The Madrid-born star, who has contributed to six films this year, highlighted the competition among major titles including En los márgenes with Penélope Cruz, As bestas with Marie Colomb, La maternal with Ángela Cervantes, and Suro with Susi Sánchez. She suggested a personal moment of celebration upon finishing Cinco Lobitos, feeling that such work deserved every possible accolade. The sense of shared joy among the nominees underscored the collective effort driving a strong Spanish cinema ecosystem. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Laia Costa, Barbara Lennie, and Vicky Luengo were also highlighted as part of the vibrant group of women celebrated in this year’s nominations. Castillo’s peers, described as nearly like sisters, showed up to applaud the breadth and talent of the field. Anna Castillo spoke of the high quality of the year’s performances and films, noting that the pause caused by the pandemic may have allowed a renewed sense of purpose to emerge in the industry. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Marina Foïs, Laia Costa, Barbara Lennie, and Vicky Luengo joined Castillo in celebrating the expanding role of women across Spanish cinema. The mood was one of gratitude for the chance to participate in an extraordinary harvest, with newcomers like Mikel Gurrea expressing pride in being part of a year that showcased both depth and dynamism. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
Rozalén, who earned a Goya for Rosa’s Wedding, was nominated again for En los márgenes, while expectations for Leiva in the Best Original Song category remained strong. The season also showcased strong performances across categories, with many artists expressing a sense of resilience and readiness to celebrate the craft. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]
While a few moments showed gaps, the overall tone was one of unity and ambition. The industry continues to recognize and celebrate the work of seasoned actors alongside emerging talents, with a shared belief that Spanish cinema is entering a vibrant new chapter. [Attribution: Spanish Film Academy]