Decades of gala nights have piled up memories, records, and striking statistics. Think of Alberto Iglesias collecting 11 figurines or the 14 figurines for The Sea Within. Will a new historical record be set this year?
The Academy has crafted a celebration designed to leave a lasting impression on Spanish cinema fans while moving past the shadow cast by the pandemic. If you’re planning to enjoy the Goya Awards in the current cycle, here are seven aspects not to miss.
why goya
Since 1987, the Film Academy Awards have aimed for a ceremony inspired by the prestige of the Oscars. The final name was chosen after several options were considered, including Soles, Buñuel Awards, or Lumière Awards, but Goya ultimately won broad support. The chosen title fits the Academy’s aims: it is concise, echoes other major prizes, and honors a central figure in Spanish culture. As art director Ramiro Gómez observed, Goya’s painting aligns with the seventh art and marks a form that unfolds through a sequence of masterpieces.
Record breaking movies
Mar Adentro has held the absolute record since 2004 with the most Goya wins, tallying 14 statuettes. It is followed by Amenábar’s work with a high count, then Ay Carmela, Handia, Minimal Island, and Snow White with notable tallies. In the current season, contenders such as Bestas, nominated in 17 categories, and Modelo 77, with potential 16 wins, could challenge the record if they triumph in Seville. Even without taking home more trophies, some films could establish new benchmarks. Connect Me! made history in 1990 for its nominations alone, while El Buen Patrón remains the most-nominated film in Goya history with 20 nominations in 2022.
Most awarded
While Javier Bardem is often linked with the most prominent names, Alberto Iglesias stands as the person with the most Goyas overall, securing 11 in best original music. Pedro Almodóvar trails with 10, followed by Reyes Abades and Alejandro Amenábar with nine each.
Artist with the most statuettes
Bardem holds the record for the most Goyas at six, with Carmen Maura and Verónica Forqué close behind with four each. Penélope Cruz and Luis Tosar may join that group this year if their performances in En los márgenes receive the trophies. Antonio de la Torre entered as this year’s presenter with 14 nominations but only two wins, while Penélope Cruz has claimed three Goyas across her nominations. Eduard Fernández, at 13, ranks third, followed by Javier Bardem and Maribel Verdú with 11 each as the next in line.
Glenn’s version of Goya ‘so Close’
The most nominated artist without a win is Juan Diego Botto, who has six nominations but no trophy yet. Ángela Molina, with five nominations, received the Goya de Honor in 2021. Botto has pursued recognition in other arenas, including the Oscar circuit, where figures such as Peter O’Toole have been honored for lifetime achievement despite not winning competitive Oscars themselves.
star director
The rivalry among Amenábar, Bayona, and Almodóvar remains a hot topic, with three of them holding three director statuettes each. Yet the record for the most successful director belongs to Fernando León de Aranoa, who has earned four wins for work across Familia (Best New Director), Barrio, Los lunes al sol, and El buen patrón. Close behind are Isabel Coixet and Fernando Trueba, each with two directing awards.
cheer
For the first time, the Film Academy released an interactive game so fans can try their hand at predicting the winners during the premiere. With La porra de los Goya, users can guess who will triumph on the night in Seville. The top predictor will win a prize: attendance for the next Goya Awards, plus travel and accommodation for a guest in early 2025.